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Two Hundred 

OUTLINES OF SERMONS 



TOGETHER WITH 



Definite and Explicit Rules 



FOR 



SERMONIZING. 



On as logical and systematic a plan as can 
well be devised. 



These Sketches of Outlines all Made in Strict 
Conformity to the Rules Given. 





By H. M. RICHARDSON, D. D., 

Author of "Sermons and Sermon Outlines." 



Cleona, Pa.: 

G. HOLZAPFEL, Publisher, 

1898. 






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COPYRIGHTED IN 1898 
BY 
G.HOLZAPFEL. 



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LC Control Number 



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tmp96 027685 




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PREFACE. 



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4 






PREFACE. 

In the close observance, and faithful use,, of 
the rules of sermonizing given in this book, aided 
by the 200 illustrations of these rules, the young 
minister, cr student, will find the very best 
means of cultivating that "tact," as Dr. Shedd 
calls it, "which is needed in the preacher, to dis- 
cover the hidden significance of Scripture." The 
faithful study of these rules, and examples, will 
stimulate thought in young ministers, and help 
them to form habits of concentration, and culti- 
vate their powers of analytical exposition of 
Scripture. 

If they will observe closely, they will see 
that it is not mere surface work, to get the mean- 
ing that lies concealed, in most texts of Scripture; 
that there is a hidden truth, under the surface, 
that is more important and far reaching than 
the truth that seems to be right in sight. To il- 
lustrate what I mean, take the familiar text in 
Luke 19: 10, "For the Son of man is come to seek 



6 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

and to save that which was lost." A surface 
sermon would probably tell by how many ways, 
and by how many instrumentalities, Christ is 
now seeking sinners: by His ministers, and His 
providences, and warnings. And many good 
things of this kind might be, and have been, said 
from this text. But a little deeper thought, and 
more severe study, would discover a great truth 
under the surface of these words, and suggest 
an important theme, viz., that the mission of 
Christ to earth is indicative of the tearfulness of 
the sinner's condition; that a condition which can 
derive help from none but such a Being, must be 
desperate indeed; especially is this evident, 
when it required the substitution of Himself, in 
the suffering of an ignominious death to accom- 
plish it, and when in addition to all He suffered 
and did, it requires the new creating energy 
•of the Holy Ghost, to effect the rescue. 

A faithful study of these rules, and outlines, 
with this end in view, cannot fail to tend to form 
habits of patient and profitable, investigation and 
research,and then in addition to this, such study 
of these outlines will greatly increase any 
minister's knowledge of the teachings of God's 
word. They are full of Bible truth, and that 
truth presented in a logical and instructive form. 

And then, as to the style of sermonizing, 
there is no better method, to say the least, than 
the method, here emphasized, and illustrated. 
There is a great deal too much of the "much 



PREFACE. 1 

every way" styleof preaching, A young man 
once said to his pastor in the presence of one of 
the deacons of the church, "Pastor, if you will 
take a text, and stick to it all the way through the 
sermon, I will give you ten dollars, and 1 will put 
the money in the hands of the deacon here, and 
he may give it to you. if you dothis." "Agreed," 
said tlie pastor. '•! will do it next Sunday." So 
on the next Sabbath he took for his text the 
words in Romans, third chapter and second verse, 
"much every way,"' and preached as usually. 
After church the deacon said to the young man, 
"Well, you have lost your money; it belongs tothe 
Elder, for he certainly stuck tohis text this time. " 
There is many a pastor who preaches in the 
same way, and who gets more than ten dollars 
for each of hi- sermons, while the hearers get 
nothing but "much every way." 

As a rule, in each sermon the preacher 
should have just one great truth which he seeks 
to impress upon his hearers, one tiling which he 
desires to Fasten in their memories and conscien- 
ce that with reference to that sermon, he 
could say with the apostle, "this one thing 1 do. " 
ixample, if he had the text of Paul, Phil. 3: 7, 
"What things were gain to me, those I counted 
loss for Christ. "he could do nothing in his whole 
life more important than to compel his hearers 
to believe that "Christ is the soul's permanent 
wealth, for which it is gain to sacrifice every 
thing else." 



8 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

It is my hope that many young preachers 
will study the method and examples here pre- 
sented, to the cultivation of their "tact" in dis- 
covering the hidden meaning of Scripture, and to 
the correcting of the loose and careless style of 
preaching that comes without cultivation, to those 
especially who are so unfortunate as to be too 
fluent. According to my observation, it is a 
calamity to a church to have a pastor who is so 
fluent as to feel he needs no time for the prepar- 
ation of his sermons, and no need of system in 
their construction or delivery. Such a church 
is liable to be starved for want of gospel food, 
and sound, nourishing, doctrinal instruction. 

THE AUTHOR. 




Rules For Sermonizing. 




/ 



z^fl^l. 



RULES FOR SERMONIZING 



First. -Ascertain, and state clearly and con- 
cisely, the real n eaningof the text, as gathered 
from the context, and from the moaning of the 
words of the text. 

ond Then see what distinct proposition, 
doctrine, or theme, may be legitimately drawn 
from the text, which you wish to dwell upon and 
enforce. Sometimes more than one snch propo- 
sition is fairly aeduc bie from Ihe text. But 
choose one and then illustrate or prove the truth 
of this theme by two or tnore other distinct 
statements or propositions, your aim being all 
the time to enforce and make obvious the truth 
of your t home. 

Third Then deduce practical inferences or 
considerations thai legitimately follow from the 
truth of I ho theme. 







Outlines of Sermons. 




^ 




■^y 



JJ/ 



OUTLINES OF SERMONS. 



''In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen." — Genesis 

xxii : 14. 
t 

THEME. — The mountain of absolute faith is the. 

place where divine interposition is ever recognized. 

I. There only is divine interposition promised. 

None of them that trust in Him shall be 
desolate. Cast thy care upon the Lord, He 
careth for you. 

II. There only are we prepared to appreciate or 

improve the divine interposition. God will 
not divide His glory. 

III. There only can the people of God record 

Jehovah-jireh for the encouragment of 
others, as it is in the mountain of the Lord, 
it is seen to this day. 

REMARKS. 

1. When all that we have is ready for God's 
altar, then only is Jehovah-jireh our available 



16 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

portion. To know it, sometimes Isaac must be 
bound and the knife drawn. 

2. There is but one thing which the provi- 
dence of God may not require us to relinquish, 
and that is integrity to God — that never. We 
must learn to have our joy in God, independent of 
contingencies. 

3. There is a crisis before the sinner, but it 
will be the place of forfeiture, not of sacrifice, of 
dismay, not of trust, and of despair, not relief or 
divine interposition. 



ii. , 

"And he said, Draw not nigh hither; put off thy shoes 
from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is 
holy ground." — Exodus iii:5. 

THEME. — The place of the manifestation of the 
divine presence is sacred, and demands the all-pervad- 
ing reverence of the soul 

I. The awful majesty of the divine presence de- 

mands a reverence profound and entire, in- 
volving all our faculties. 

II. His Omniscience. — The presence of an eye 

that pierces all covering forbids conceal- 
ment, and demands the removal of all dis- 
guises, all artificial ornaments of the soul. 

III. The recognition of divine efficiency alone 
demands our profound waiting for his di- 
rection and equipment. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. IT 

REMARKS. 

1. The words of his servants at a time like 
this should be few, solemn and tender. Ill such 
a presence boisterous display or levity of speech, 
how dreadful! 

2. In such a place God snows His face as to 
Moses hid in the cleft of the rock, that trembling 
souls may approach. He burns in the bush, but 
his mildness does not consume it. God in Christ 
is approachable — awful but gentle. 



III. 

"Id all places where I record my name, I will come 
unto thee and I will bless thee."— Exodus xx:24. 

THEME. — A consecrated and divinely accepted 
place of ivorship is one of the richest privileges of 
ce. 

I. The divine prescription of such a place : 

1. A place divested of the adornments of 
pride, or incentives to idolatry. 

2. Of simple convenience. Whether of stjne 
or of earth, convenience was the end. 

3. Where come the people of God and the 
sacrifice. 

II. What may there be expected : 

1. The presence of the infinite God. "I will 
come unto thee." 

2. The paternal recognition of themselves 
and their service. "I will bless you. " 



18 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

3. All needed supplies of grace. "I will 

bless you." 

4. Spiritual increase of graces and numbers. 
'•I will bless you." 

REMARKS. 

1. To those who have erected this place of 
worship it is a joyful remuneration for their toil 
and sacrifice. 

2. It opens golden opportunities for those 
who are lost in sin, and need the gospel of Christ. 

3. It opens a glorious work and a glorious 
prospect to the disciples of Christ. 



IV. 

"I am the Lord." — Leviticus xxii: 31. 

THEME. — The authority of God is the supreme 

and sufficient motive to obedience. 

I. This will appear if we realize the majesty of 

Him who commands. * 

II. This will appear if we notice the rights of 

Him who commands. 

III. This will appear if we notice the benignant 
wisdom of Him who commands. 

IV. This will appear if we notice the govern- 

mental responsibilities of Him who com- 
mands. 

REMARKS. 

1. The only wise utilitarian is he who relies 



TWO BUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 19 

upon the wisdom <>t God and His directions as the 
way in which his own best good can be se- 
cured. ( rod's commandments are life. 

2. If the inquiry were universal among 
Christians. ••What does God require?" instead of, 
••What will afford the most comfort and benefit?" 
the unity of Bible teaching would soon result in 
the unity of faith. 

3. A world's revolt, if persisted in, will be a 
world's doom. How strange that men wise for 
this world should ignore this surpassing motive, 
'•I am the Lord." As it rings out from Sinai's 
mount, it should break their slumbers. 



V. 

"But as forme and my house, we will serve the 
Lord." Josh, xxiv: l.~>. 

THEME.— The obligations of the divine service 
individual and independent. 

I. Obligation is bounded by or limited to power, 

and power moral is limited to self. Over 
the moral faculty of others, one has no power . 

II. His obligations to social duties are still per- 

sonal. In case of social obstruction he 
finds shelter f rc»m guilt in his individuality. 

III. All guilt and punishment are individual in 

the divine economy. "The soul that sin- 
neth, it shall die." Faith and justification 
are individual and solitary. 



20 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

REMARKS. 

1. The purpose of Joshua was appropriate 
and just. He did not depend upon the nation, or 
upon his family, for the virtuous fulfillment of his 
own purpose. 

2. He was right in joyfully expressing the 
pledge of his family to the divine service. 

3. What dignity and power and beauty there 
are in personal piety, personal fidelity to God, es- 
pecially in the domestic relation. It makes to it- 
self a hallowed circle. 

4. At the commencement of this new year, 
how many will draw about them their individual 
responsibilities to the divine service ? How many 
Joshuas are there present ? 



VI. 

"Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heark- 
en than the fat of rams." — I Samuel xv: 22. 

THEME. — Profound obedience to God is our best 
sacrifice, and is an indispensable and paramount 
grace, in His sight. 

I. What is involved in obedience ? 

1. That we hearken, that we distinguish the 
voice, and understand the message. 

2. It involves also the carrying out, the exe- 
cuting of the commands of God. Even to the min- 
utia. 

3. It is involved in the true spirit of obedi- 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 21 

ence that God's authority be the controlling mo- 
tive. 

II. Now such obedience we say is our best sac- 
rifice, and is a paramount grace. 

1. Because such obedience harmonizes with 
God in carrying ou t His governmental arrange- 
ments. Human device, though apparently gen- 
erous, only obstructs and interferes with the Di- 
vine plans. 

2. It is our best sacrifice, not so much be- 
cause God is benefited by our acts, but because 
He is pleased w'rth the loyalty of the act itself, as 
the fruit of His grace. All true obedience is the 
fruit of God's subduing and transforming grace. 
Religion is not a sentiment but a principle, it is 
submission to God. 

3. Obedience is our best sacrifice because it 
gives all the honor to God. While human device 
robs God of the glory and substitutes human for 
divine wisdom. Saul thought he could improve 
upon God's plan, and so spared the best of the 
flocks. 

REMARKS. 

1. Healthful piety may be known by its 
earnest searchings for, and conformity to, Bible 
truth; sinister piety by its dainty and eclectic 
neglect. 

2. Will worship, self will, levity with the di- 
vine word and commands, will be sure to merit 



22 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

the divine displeasure. Samuel's progress can- 
not reverse it. 



VII. 

"And also the Strength of Israel will not lie, nor re- 
pent." — I Samuel xv: 29. 

THEME. — The certain and unfailing execution 
of the divine purpose insures alike the bliss of the 
saint, and the fearful doom of the sinner. 

I. God's purposes can never change, because 

any circumstances which might be sup- 
posed to urge a cnange, were present at 
the formation and announcement of such 
purpose. 

1. God's purposes, taking in, as they do, all 
possible contingencies, and being right, can never 
change without a departure from the right. 

2. God's power being commensurate, His 
purposes can never fail. 

II. God's purposes concerning the righteous 

and the wicked are announced with equal 
clearness. 

1. He has said, he that belie veth shall be 
saved; and he that believeth not, shall be damned. 

2. They that are in their graves shall come 
forth; they that have done good unto the resur- 
rection of life, and they that have done evil unto 
the resurrection of damnation. 

3. These shall go away into everlasting pun- 
ishment; but the righteous, into life eternal. 



TWO BUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 23 

REMARKS. 

1. The decisions of the last judgment are to 
read in our present character. 

2. It concerns us to know, not what our in- 
genuity can make out of the Bible, but what has 

said. 

3. To sew pillows to armholes — to turn away 
ricked f rom repentance bv promising them 

life, will prove a fearful experiment. If we judge 
ourselves, we shall not be judged. 



VIII. 

"Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the 
knees which have not bowed unto Baal." — I Kings xix:18. 

THEME. — The sovei eign (/race of God is an un- 
ation to the pious in the dark- 
\fthe world's history. 

I. God is not unmindful of the personal or na- 

tional affairs of men. 

II. God often promotes exceptions to the dark- 

est pictures that may surround us. 

III. He opposes the energies of electing love, 
and redeeming power, to the dreadful cur- 
rent of the world's apostacy. 

IV. It affords to the pious quiet direction in the 

path of duty, and divine deliverance in his 
extremiti* 

REMARKS. 
1. Let Christians be fearless in the dis- 



24 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

charge of their duty. God is their defense. 

2. The mantles of ascending Elijahs have 
ever found Elishas on whom to rest, and ever 
will. God will not leave Himself without a wit- 
ness. 

3. How painful that wicked rulers are ever 
surrounded with false prophets. They love to be 
blinded to the cause of danger and calamities, to 
be found in their own wickedness. To that de- 
ception there are plenty to minister. But such 
moral conspiracy must reckon with God. 



IX. 

"The chariot of Israel aud the horsemen thereof." — 
II Kings ii: 12. 

THEME. — God's resources to meet all the necessi- 
ties of His children, as indicated in the history of Eli- 
jah, are infinite. 

I. To supply their natural wants. I Kings 17: 

6-14. 

II. His supernatural supplies, when needed. I 

Kings 19: 8. 

III. As seen in His defense of His character be- 
fore Baal. I Kings 18: 20. And of His 
person. II Kings 1: 10. 

IV. As seen in His transaction. II Kings 2: 11.' 

REMARKS. 

1. All the supplies of life, and comforts, are 
measured to Christians, with an unerring refer- 



TWO BUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 26 

ence to their good. There is no other limitation. 

*2. The departure of Christians from this 
world is a flight, a release, not death. Moses 
dropped his body and went home; Elijah took his 
with him. The fact, not the manner of ascent to 
God, is what concerns us. 

3. The spirit and the work of Elijah passed 
to Eiisha in answer to prayer. The virtues of de- 
parted piety should be sought and cherished. 



••Thou didst well, in that it was in thine heart." — II 
Chronicles vi: 8. 

THEME. — A hearty desire to do cm act of divine 
<>, is as accepted of God, as its complete perform- 

I. If it be in the heart, its performance is cer- 

tain unless prevented by unavoidable ob- 
structions, for which the individual is not 
responsible. 

II. If it be in the heart, it will be performed, un- 

less God himself permits its obstruction, in 
which case He assumes the responsibility, 
and releases the purposer. * 

III. All that is of value to God, in any service, 
is involved in the filial desire of the heart 
to perform it. Helpers in reality, God has 
none. 

REMARKS. 

1. What an equalizer this principle is ! The 



26 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

poorest can do for God as much as the richest, 
and the weakest as much as the most mighty. 

2. The service of God, and its reward, are 
free of attainment, yea the greatest service. 
Neither heaven, earth, nor hell can interdict the 
pious heart. 

3. The failure of performance througn a 
feigned excuse, or the performance of an act of 
service from sinister motives, are both valueless 
in the sight of God. 

4. On this principle sinners are not merely 
responsible for what they do, but for what they 
purpose or desire to do. ' In other words, for all 
they would do if the desires of their hearts were 
never obstructed. 



XI. 

'•He did it with all his heart, and prospered." — II 
Chronicles xxxi: 21. 

THEME. — Whoever would prosper in the ivork of 
the Lord, must do it heartily — give it his paramount 
regard. 

I. A hearty devotion is indispensable to such a 

performance of the work as to make suc- 
cess possible. 

II. It will secure the confidence, and provoke 

the co-operation of others, that others see- 
ing your good works, etc. 

III. A hearty devotion will alone please God and 
secure His blessing upon our efforts. 



TWo HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 27 

v REMARKS. 

1. The prayers of the half-hearted and the 
indolent, are unavailing. God's people must 
work as well as beg. 

_. While the social interests of the church 
are neglected, her social prosperity can not be 
expected. When the interests of the church com- 
mand the sympathy, the energy, and the wealth 
of her members, her prosperity is certain. 

3. A destructive snare to souls, and to the 
church of God, is found in the engrossing desire 
of the age for wealth and pleasure. 



XII. 

••The Lord £ave,and the Lord hath taken away: bless- 
ed be the name of the Lord.''— Job i: 21. 

THEME. — We should lov?, worship end /)rais<< 
<;<><! no less for tin- <tjjrtcti<>n dispensations ofHisprow- 
ice than for tin- seemingly more (j,:<tci<>us ones. 

I. Our indebtedness of love and gratitude is for 

the whole piece. The warp of which is (he 
wise purpose of God; afflictions are but a 
part of the tilling. 

II. The afflictions of the righteous reveal the 

sovereignty, the impartiality. and the integ- 
rity of grace. He neither loves them for 
their virtues, nor spares their faults for 
His love, nor takes them unrefined. 

III. The Christian needs them. They remind 



28 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

him of his Rock. They cure his idolatry of 
earth. They reveal to the soul its' better, 
its full, its complete treasure in God. 

REMARKS. 

♦ 

1. The wicked, not kaowing the designs of 
God in afflicting His people, often take God for 
their enemy and misjudge their character. But 
God will vindicate them and silence their accus- 
ers. 

2. The first effect of affliction is sometimes 
to make even good men write bitter things of 
God, but in the end to write bitter things of them- 
selves. They reveal the deformity of self, the 
vanity of earth, and the glory of God. 

3. If judgment begin at us,&c, I Peter 4.17. 
If in His chastitorv visitations to His people, 
whom He loves, God is so terrible, what will He 
be to His enemies when He comes in vengeance ? 



XIII. 

"I loathe it: I would not live alway." — Job vii: 16. 
THEME. — Death is desirable to the Christian. 

I. The Christian: 

1. One at peace with God. 

2. An heir with Christ to a heavenly inheri- 
tance. 

II. To such death is desirable: 

1. It brings them under the shelter of a di- 
vine vindication against the reproach of their en- 
emies. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 29 

2. It ends their personal and fearful conflict 
with sin. The shout of victory is on the dying 
lips of piety. 

3. It takes the cup mingled and bitter from 
his lips, to be replaced by one of unmingled bliss. 

REMARKS. 

1. Afflicted piety is satisfied. 

2. Divine providence is justified. 

3. Faith in Christ is magnified. 

4. The Jesus crucified is Christ glorified. 



XIV. 

"Are not my days few ?" — Job x: 20. 

THEME. — The brevity of life is an argument 
modifying all the contingencies of life. 

I. Are my days few, then that which can minis- 

ter to my comfort or discomfort, while 
they last, is only of little moment, 

II. Are my days few, then they should not be 

wasted on trifling cares, or squandered in 
evanescent pleasures. 

III. Are my days few, then the vast interests 
with which they are charged, should re- 
ceive my most earnest attention. 

IV. Are my days few, then my years are still 

fewer; their flight should admonish me that 
my fixed state is near at hand. 

REMARKS. 

1. To save us, God is often under the neces- 



30 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

sity of taking away objects which engross us. 

2. The world's ambition is marked with fol- 
ly*; days which should secure infinite and eternal 
good, are squandered in pursuit of the pleasures 
of a moment. 

3. Mourn the past as you may, but seize and 
use the present and the future as you should. 



XV. 

' 'How many are my iniquities and sins '? Make me to 
know my transgression and my sin." — Job xiii: 23. 

THEME. — An earnest investigation of our own 
character and prospects in relation to God and eterni- 
ty, is a most imperative duty. 

I. A just estimate, a correct knowledge of it, is 

attainable. God's Word is an available and 
safe standard. 

II. They are questions of paramount import- 

ance. Oh, what is time to eternity, pover- 
ty to hell, or wealth to heaven ? 

III. They are matters for which we are respon- 
sible, and which may be modified by us. 

-REMARKS. 

1. To stave off, to avoid this issue, to refuse 
it our most earnest attention, will be indicative of 
folly, guilt and cowardice. 

2. God and His people are compelled, if they 
would do sinners any good, to press upon their 
attention most unweicome truths. • 



TWO BUNDKED SERMON OUTLINES. 31 

:;. If we come to fche truth, we shall find it 
our friend, its severe and stern aspect will melt 
with love. But if it come to us, it will be an 
avenging God. a stern accuser. 



XVI. 

"Be wi9e now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, 

ye j artli."- -I'salm Li: 10. 

THEME. — Civil governments are subject to di- 
ognizance and bound, upon their peril, to exer- 
all their functions in obedience to His law. 

I. Their authority is from God and is given for 

no partial or sinister end, but for purposes 
of justice. His will is the standard law of 
justice. 

II. The rights of manhood exist in ana grow 

out of obligations to God. If human gov- 
ernment fails to protect these, it fails in 
duty; if it invades them, it wars upon God. 

III. If civil government abandons the supreme 
reign of God, and rejects His law, as the 
standard of its actions, its only standard 
is its caprice. It is a tyrant and entitled 
neither to the sanction of God, nor the re- 
spect of men. 

REMARKS. 

1. Our nation is a government and every 
citizen is a member of it. When the higher law 
is ignored and justice abandoned for political chi- 



32 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

canery, our doom is ,'iealed and the guilt will lie at 
every man's door. 

2. In the foundation of this government 
when it was laid, there were elements of un justice 
admitted, which had to be, and have been, eradi- 
cated at a fearful cost. This has saved the nation 
from entire overthrow and destruction. 

3. We have abundant reason to thank God for 
His forbearance and care and guiding hand in all 
our history. 



XVII. 

"What is man, that thou are mindful of him."— 
Psalm viii:4. 

THEME. — The moral dignity and worth of man 
are indicated by the distinguishing attentions of Je- 
hovah. 

I. He was distinguished at creation. 

1. By the special consultation of the Trinity 
concerning him. '-Let us make man." 

2. He was then stamped with the image of 
his maker, and so distinguished from all things 
else. 

3. He was then distinguished by his social 
position. ' 'Thou madest him to have dominion, &c. " 

II. By the distinguishing attentions of redemp- 

tion. 

1. By the price of redemption, "God so 
loved the world, &c." 



TWO HIXDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 33 

2. By the affinities of redemption — He as- 
sumed our nature — Made man His body, his rela- 
tive fulness. 

3. By redemption glory — He is enthroned, 
crowned, exalted — God's family, visits him, &c. 

REMARKS. 

1. The partial distinctions of earth do not 
remove any from the summit level of his nature, 
nor^break up the equality of his manhood. He 
who desecrates man commits sacrilege — God's 
image is on him, and God's rights are in him. 

2. What a fearful contrast is the moral dig- 
nity of man's nature, and the moral depravity of 
his character. 

This subject magnifies the gospel enter- 
prise. Its infinite expenditures are appropriate. 
Souls redeemed, how precious! Lost, how fearful! 



XVIII. 

; *The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God." 
— Psalm xiv: 1. 

THEME. — The carnal, the unregenerate, are 
heart atheists { 

I. The carnal heart loves the creature more 

than the Creator, and so ignores God in His 
claims to their supreme affections. 

II. The carnal heart enthrones self-will, and so 

dethrones God. It ignores God in His claims 
to supreme and absolute authority. 



34 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

III. The carnal heart loves an unbridled course 
of sinful pleasure, and so it ignores God in 
the restraints of His moral government. 

IV. The carnal heart loves impurity in its sin- 

ful career, and hence it ignores God in the 
terrors of His judgment. 

REMARKS. 

1. The power and success of heart atheism 
is often fearful. It blinds the intellect, suborns 
the judgment, and blots the eternal God from the 
apprehension of the moral suicide. 

2. The atheism of the heart is omnipotent. 
The conscience and the judgment may rebel, and 
fret, and war, but it writes "No God" upon all 
the activities of life. The heart atheist is God- 
less. 

3. The wisdom of this world is foolishness 
with God. Let the man of the world glory in the 
might of his intellectual grasp and his far seeing 
policy. He only is wise whose heart enthrones 
God, and who learns of Him. 



XIX. 

"Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear 
Him, upon them that hope in His mercy." — Psalm 
xxxiii: 18. 

THEME. — TJie fear of the Lord is indispensable 
to evangelical hope. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLIN! 35 

I. Hope, without fear of the Lord, is the pre- 

sumption of pride . 

II. Hope, without the fear of the Lord, is in the 

face of promise. 

III. Hope, coupled with fear, recognizes the 

mercy of God. 

IV. Hope, with fear, pledges the veracity of God 

for its realization. 

REMARKS. 

1. He is a deceived man, whose only piety 
consists in hope. Such hope will end in dispair, 
and the sooner the better. 

2. Pear without hope, is better than hope 
without fear. But both together perfect each 
other. The consolations of hope are only well 
enjoyed by the practically pious. 

3. In another sense, the eye of the Lord is 
upon all. even to those that trust to lying vanities. 



XX. 

•'In thy light shall we see light. "—Psalm xxxvi: 9. 

THEME.— In tht light of God's Word alone is the 
light of hope seen by lost men. 

I. In the light of God's Word alone is seen the 

light, the hope of immortality, the in- 
destructibility of our own nature. 

II. In the light of God's Word alone is seen the 



36 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

light of divine acceptance, of pardon, and 
justification through the blood of the cross. 

III. In the light of God's Word alone is seen 
the light of moral recovery by the regener- 
ating power of the Holy Spirit. 

IV. In the light of God's Word alone is seen the 

light of fullness through the providential 
care and relative fullness of God. 

REMARKS. 

1. The Christian has in God a fountain of 
life, a source of perpetual joy; outside of himself 
nothing in heaven, earth or hell may eclipse the 
light of his hope. 

2. The steady and safe light of the Christian 
hope may well be the guide of the Christian's life. 

3. The night of unbelief is a night of poverty 
and of hopeless despair. The light of the self- 
kindled fires of the sinner will end in perpetual 
gloom. 



XXI. 

"Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; 
and He shall bring it to pass." — Psalm xxxvii: 5. 

THEME, — The faithful discharge of duty is an 
antidote for the vexatious controversies of evil men. 

I. We must assume the responsibilities of life, 
"thy way." The piety of the heart is 
promoted by an unflinching assumption 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 3T 

of, and not in an inglorious retreat from, 
the responsibilities of life. 

II. We must submit the guidance and protec- 

tion of our way to God. Self wisdom 
and self protection must be eschewed. 
"And trust also in Him." 

III. We must submit the results to Him. He 
shall "bring it to pass." You must trust 
Him for your heart's desire, vs. 4, for 
the defeat of the wicked, vs. 9 and 10, for 
the triumph of the righteous. 

REMARKS. 

1. The present and approaching political ex- 
citement is fraught with harm to religion; our 
subject affords the antidote. 

2. Let not the Christian shrink from his 
duties. Let him circumscribe his anxieties to 
his own duties. Let him favor righteousness 
rather than party in his speech, his prayers, and 
his vote. 

3. Let him repose in God for results and 
then, be they what they may, his own piety is safe. 



XXII. 

"For I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as 
all my fathers were." — Psalm xxxix:12. 

THEME. — Christians of every age are emphat- 
ically strcmgera and pilgrims on the earth. 



38 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES . 

I. Grace has estranged them to their worldly- 

fellows. Wherein they think it strange. I 
Peter 4:4. 

II. Grace has estranged the earth to them; its 

associations, its pleasures, its charms, are 
spoiled. 

III. God calls them to be pilgrims, and allows 
no nest building. He enlists them in a 
marching army; they must move with the 
camp. 

IV. The home of their delights, seen by an eye 

of faith, invites them from afar. There only 
do they look for rest. 

REMARKS. 

1. Rough ways, stormy days, and dark 
nights, are to be expected and patiently endured. 

2. As pilgrim children absent from home, 
their father cares for them. ' k For I am a stranger 
and a sojourner," is an argument that weighs 
with God. 

3. How beautifully God has furnished them 
for their pilgrimage; clothes that wax not old, 
bread for their journey, a lamp for their feet, and 
a light for their way; a staff for their support, and 
a guide to conduct them home. 

4. Sinner, do you, in your proud possession 
of earth, scorn the pilgrim's lot? God regards 
you as a thankless usurper of that which is not 
your own, to be driven out in due time. 



TWo BUNDRED SERMON OUTLIM 39 

XXIII. 

•I waited patiently for the Lord: and He inclined 
unto me, and heard my cry."— Psalm xl: l. 

THEME. — A steadfast appeal to God for help 

shall not be disappointed. 

I. This recorded appeal. 

1. It was persevered in. Waited patiently. 

It was a cry. Involving helplessness and 
necessity. 

II. The redress. 

1. Inclined His ear. He heard him, had an 
inclination to hear him. 

2. Brought him out of an horrible pit, 
bottomed with miry clay. 

3. Gave him good footing, a rock, and es- 
tablished his goings. 

4. Made him sing, gave the song and inspi- 
ration, "praise." 

REMARKS. 

1. The "song" must be preceded by the 
"cry." Those who do not realize their condition, 
or knowing it, cry not. cannot expect to sing. 

2. Sinner s,you must sing or wail; cry now, 
and God will give you a song. Forbear to cry, 
and you will soon wail, and God will give you 
dispair. 



40 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

XXIV. 

"Let such as love thy salvation say continually, 
The Lord be magnified. "-Psalm xl: 16. 

THEME. — The love of God's salvation, is a title to 
it, sure to be realized. 

I. God's salvation implies the final and total de- 

struction of sin. It is a salvation that 
outroots and destroys sin. Love of God's 
salvation involves true repentance. 

II. God's salvation sustains the integrity of the 

law of God. 

III. God's salvation is a restoration to holiness. 
He who loves it, loves holiness. 

IV. God loves His salvation, delights in His 

work. They who are on His side of sin, 
and of holiness, are safe; no power can 
successfully oppose their salvation. 

REMARKS . 

1. This subject vindicates God in the final 
condemnation and banishment of the lost. His 
salvation is free to all who love its claims, and its 
fruits, and methods of securing its blessings. 

2. The loss of the sinner's soul does not re- 
sult from the simple fact that he is a sinner. 

3. All imagined salvation that is not God's, 
involves death, in the love of it. The gospel is 
very intollerant. Christ says "He that is not 
with me is against me. " 



TWO BUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 41 

XXV. 

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a 
broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not 

.m li: IT. 

THEME. — A truly humble spirit, a broken heart, 
all that God requires oj man. 

I. It involves the sacrifice of sin, the lust of the 

flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of 
life; the very breaking of the heart, is their 
crucifixion. 

II. •'It involves the sacrifice of the atonememt, 

grief at the violation of right, will make 
haste to avail itself of the only way of mak- 
ing reparation, the life and death of Christ. 

III. It involves the sacrifice of service. The 
loving grief ior past delinquencies will 
spare itself from no service which it can 
give in the future. With holding will add 
to the grief. 

REMARKS. 

1. If a broken spirit, or an humble heart, in- 
volves the presence of all God desires in men, 
then a proud heart, a whole spirit, involves the 
absence of all that can please God. 

2. It is in the power of all. even the poorest 
of the poor, to give to God an equally rich sacri- 
fice, with the most favored. In God's account 
book, the credit page of the beggar may put to 
blush the credit page of the king or millionaire. 



42 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

XXVI. 

"Also unto Thee, O Lord belongeth mercy: for Thou 
renderest to every man according to his work." — Psalm 
lxii: 12. 

THEME. — Justice in God is indispensable to the 
exercise of mercy; it is its basis. 

I. Without it, the exercise of mercy would not 

be kindness, but sinister partiality. 

II. Without it, the exercise of mercy would be in- 

justice to all ot'aer subjects of the kingdom. 

III. Mercy is the overflowing of righteousness. 

If the fountain be deficient, the issue ceases. 

IV. Power to execute justice is alone worthy of 

the prerogative of mercy. 

REMARKS. 

1. To hope for mercy, and reject the atone- 
ment, is to desire and expect God Himself to turn 
rebel and join the revolt. 

2. If we reject the atonement, there is, there 
can be, no mercy for us. Our hope is the hope 
of fallen angels, successful resistance to God. 

3. Religion that does not make us just, is 
worth nothing. [To be saved, is to be made God- 
like. Such religion has neither made us pleasing 
to God, nor beneficial to men. 

4. The unjust will have to settle with God. 
He will, He must render to every man according 
to his works, or there is mercy for none. Let 
evil doers beware; let all make haste to make a 
covenant by sacrifice. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 43 

XXVII. 

"To Bee thv power and thy glory, so as I have seen 
Tbee In the Sanctuary.*' Psalm lxiii: 2. 

THEME. — The revelations of God in His sanc- 
tuary work are greatly to b.e desired. 

I. In order to revive the faith of His people. It 

is in such seasons that saints revive 
their acquaintance with God and renew 
their strength. 

II. In order to the salvation of dying men. 

Times of refreshing are, in God's economy, 
allowing the church time for the Inter- 
mediate work. 

III. In order to increase the numerical force, 
and moral power of the church. The 
supply from solitary conversions, in the 
history of the church has not been equal 
to the wasting of time. 

REMARKS. 

1. Revival work is God's. Intermediate and 
preparatory work is ours. Let us not hinder 
God's work by neglecting our own. 

2. Esteeming conversion as an ordinary 
and continuous work has caused much mischief, in- 
dolence, mutual distrust, and ingratitude. 

3. Though God's power as displayed in His 
sanctuary work, be suspended, it exists, and 
faith should look to see it again. 



44 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

4. Sinners may despise God's power, as dis- 
played in His sanctuary work, but they will not 
despise it, as displayed at the judgment. 



XXVIII. 

"Let their table become *a snare before them; and 
that which should have been for their welfare, let it be- 
come a trap." — Psalm lxix: 22. 

THEME. — When the heart rejects God, the ele- 
ments of destruction are found even in God's blessings. 

I. Selfishness perverts them into an argument 

of the divine favor, and so promotes 
conscious security and renders warnings 
powerless. 

II. They occupy the thoughts, absorb the at- 

tention, and so shut out spiritual inter- 
ests, till the opportunities of life are past. 

III. Their perversion and abuse increase guilt. 
The Son of God despised, His blood tram- 
pled under foot, and the gospel rejected, 
is hopeless guilt. 

IV. They feed pride, strengthen passion and pro- 

mote recklessness of life, and blasphemous 
contempt of God. 

REMARKS. 

1. The sinner needs not the obviously de- 
structive pursuits of sin to destroy him. He 
eats and drinks and sleeps and smiles, and laughs 
damnation to himself. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 45 

2. If enjoyments innoxious in themselves 
are destructive to the sinners, then how fearfully 
efficient are satanic devices for speedy ruin. 

3. The heart transforms every thin^ in 
• ■u,earth,and hell, into its own likeness. All 

remedies are ineffectual which do not begin at 
and change the heart. The sovereignty of re- 
demption has its glory in the sovereignty of bad 
hearts. The omnipotence of love is Christ's 
glory. 



XXIX. 

••But God is the strength of my heart, and my portion 
forever.'* — Psalm Jxxiii: 26. 

THEME. — God is the soul's fulness, its portion, 
the counterpart of its necessities. 

I. God is the relative portion of the soul, the 

counterpart of its being. God is mirrored 
in the human soul. The original of 
that mirrored image it must have, or pine. 

II. God's is a rich portion, the treasure of all 

know'edge, the treasure of all strength, 
and the surety for all emergencies. 

III. God is the stable portion of the soul. The 
substance imperishable, the title inviolable, 
and the correlative possession eternal. 

REMARKS. 

1. The young convert, by an evangelical 
introduction into this possession and relationship. 



46 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

is introduced into joy legitimate, divine, sur- 
passing. 

2. The source of the Christian's joy is change- 
less, and infinite. On earth, clouds intervene and 
he mourns, but in eternity his sky will be cloud- 
less, and his joy serene and unbroken. Here he 
slakes his thirst at springs, and. rock broken 
streams by the way; there he will be home at 
the fountain. 

3. The Godless are portionless. The al- 
ienation of their heart from God shuts the only 
wealth of the soul from them, and the reflex 
power of sin shuts them from God and from the 
enjoyment of God. 



XXX. 

"'Have respect unto the covenant." — Psalm lxxiv. 20. 
THEME. — God's sovereign grace is the only 
foundation of hope for lost men. 

I. The time was when none but God desired 

their salvation. All minor compassion has 
sprung from the lone compassion of God. 

II. All other helpers of man's salvation, whether 

they are men or angels, are God-selected, God- 
appointed, and God-directed in their work. 

III. With God only are the resources of their 
salvation. The equivalent to justice, the 
elements of evangelical redemption, are 
involved only in the Godhead. 

IV. Without and beyond the power of all in- 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 47 

strumentality, God must do a work pe- 
culiarly aud absolutely His own, or none 
are saved, and all labor lost. 

REMARKS. 

1. The character and fruits of sin are dread- 
ful, dark, cruel, and fatal. 

2. The character and history of divine grace 
will crown God with universal and undivided 
glory. Indebtedness begins from the throne; 
and not to be praised, but to praise, will be the 
occupation of all. 

3. Herein is the enlargedness of our be- 
nevolence, the strength of our hope, and the 
courage and success of our toil. Let the prayer 
of faith and the labor of love join hands and go 
forth to the world's redemption. 



XXXI. 

"Thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my 
God. ? '— Psalm lxxxiv: 3. 

THEME. — The pious heart cannot dispense with 
intimate communion tuith the altars of God. 

I. The altars of God. 

1. Of atonement and incense within the veil. 

2. Of service at the door of the tabernacle. 

II. The pious heart cannot dispense with these, 

because: 

1. At the altar of atonement, his peace with 



48 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

God is secured and perpetuated. 

2. At the altar of service, the pious heart 
finds its life, in bringing" its grateful returns. 

3. It is at these altars that fellowship with 
the holy is established. 

4. At these altars God comes and communes 
with His people. 

REMARKS. 

1. The gospel gives to the pious heart local 
and portable altars. Ever at hand. 

2. A low state of piety renders the altars 
of God less desired, but more needful. Wander- 
ing from God's altars, is in the heart. The true 
Christian cannot be deprived of them. 

3. All have their altars. All worship. The 
altars of God, or of mammon, receive their offer- 
ings, and this worship is unto life, or death. We 
become like the object of our worship. 



XXXII. 

"The Lord reigneth. "— Psalm xciii:l. 
THEME. — The reign of God is absolute, eternal. 

I. Eternal. Not of the discoverer, or the victor, 

but of the author, changeless in His char- 
acter. 

II. Absolute. Infinite in extent, resistless in 

power, and minute in its exercise. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 49 

REMARKS. 

1. Then the duty of allegiance is imperative, 
and revolt is unnatural, and perilous. 

2. Then all conspiracies, which involve par- 
tiality and wrong, however formidable in the sight 
of man, will be as a moth before the ponderous 
wheels of the divine government. 

3. All the wronged and the outraged of earth 
will be avenged. The hand of mischief is lifted 
against God and never escapes either notice or 
punishment. 

4. The reign of God is the security of His 
people. His name is their strong tower, their 
place of retreat, not from duty or from danger, 
but from harm. 

5. The provisions of the gospel, for the re- 
turn of the revolted sinner to his allegiance, are 
opportune and worthy of all acceptation. 



XXXIII. 

••My meditation of Him shall be sweet." — Psalm 
civ: 34. 

THEME. — God is a subject of delightful medita- 
tion to the pious heart. 

>uch a heart is at peace with Him, to all else 
dreadful. 

II. His power and love make Him a delightful 
subject of thought, as his protector and 
patron. 

D 



50 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

III. As a universal Benefactor, He is a delight- 
ful subject of pious meditation. 

IV. Thoughts of God transform the Christian 

more and more into the divine likeness. 

REMARKS. 

1. The Christian has a source of pleasure, of 
which he cannot be deprived. When his heart 
turns away from his divine source, he should be 
alarmed. 

2. All nature talks of God to the pious heart; 
to its sacred pleasure every display of the divine 
goodness, in His endless variety of blessing, 
most richly ministers. 

3. If any one does not love to think of God, 
his case is to be deplored. He is denied substan- 
tial pleasure. He feeds on ashes. The time will 
come when he must think of God. God thinks of 
them and writes them up for the judgment. 



XXXIV. 

"The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right 
hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool." — 
Psalm ex :1. 

THEME. — The world's subjection to God is 
pledged in the meditorial reign of Christ. 

I. To that end has the eternal God assigned 

Him His reign — He rules, He reigns that 
he may destroy the works of the devil. 

II. Both His official character and His work are 



TWO BUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 51 

complex: involving the mitre and the 
crown, restoration and destruction. 

III. The results are pledged, and are certain to 
be secured. The Godhead is pledged. 
"Until I make thy foes, thy footstool. " 

REMARKS. 

1. The inherent authority of moral law re- 
es in every precept of the gospel of Jesus 

Christ. The command of Christ to withdraw 
thyself from every brother that walks disorderly, 
is as authoritative as to love God, or to be baptized. 

2. The spirit, without whose aid all meas- 
ures are powerless, will render profound obedi- 
ence efficient in the work of man's recovery, 
while he will spurn human device. 

3. The enemies of Christ must bow or per- 
ish. Love must win or wrath devour. They 
must bow at His footstool, or be made His foot- 
stool. 

4. God rides in the chariot of years. Earth's 
teeming millions are being crushed by their pon- 
derous wheels, or taken up for an eternal voyage 
of bliss. 



XXXV. 

•I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the pres- 
ence of all His people." Psalm cxvi: 14. 

THEME. — Solitary vows demand social fulfill- 
orpayrm 



52 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

I. They are solitary. 

1. No man can pledge his neighbor. 

2. They are the recognition of a social code — 
subjection to the will of God. 

II. These demand social fulfillment. 

1. Confession of God and testimony to the 
divine claims must be public. 

2. They involve social indebtedness which 
must be paid to the company. 

3. They involve social duties demanding so- 
cial help to perform. 

4. They involve a social spirit which must 
find exercise in the social circle. 

REMARKS. 

1. Solitude for the conception of piety, the 
social circle for its perfection and development. 

2. To vow and not fulfill is bad; co refuse to 
vow, or fulfill, either is worse. 

3. The time of fulfillment is now. I will, if 
others do not, I will pay my vows, now. 



XXXVI. 

"I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy 
testimonies." — Psalm cxix:59. 

THEME. — The character and results of our ways 
of life demand the inspection of our most serious and 
severe exercise of thought. 

I. Their character is only ascertained by a 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 53 

thoughtful and severe application of uner- 
ring tests. 

II. Their results are of such overwhelming mag- 

nitude, as to demand the most honest and 
ere scrutiny of thought. 

III. Their amendment, so imperative, so diffi- 
cult, the mysteries of grace involved in the 
remedial process, so vast and so glorious, 
demand the thoughtful concentration of the 
powers of the soul upon it. 

REMARKS. 

1. The region of thought, so little thought of, 
may be made the region of heaven's sunlight and 
life and glory, or a satanic conspiracy, sensual 
blindness, and the nourishment of the deadly 
nightshade of despair. 

2. The thoughtless are like the vast fields, 
where the absence of culture leaves the self- 
sown weeds of sin. all rank and foul, to mature a 
harvest of woe. 

3. The language of this subject to the un- 
converted fs. think, and make haste! Think on 
your ways and turn from them; think on God's 
testimonies and turn to them. 



XXXVII. 

"The Lord hath done great things for us whereof we 
are glad. ''--Psalm cxxvi:3. 

THEME. — When Godcomesand revives His work 



54 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

of conversion of souls and the upbuilding of Ziov, it is 
to be hailed as a great work. 

I. It is intrinsically great, in the obstacles it 

overcomes, and the work it performs in the 
hearts of individuals, its change of char- 
acter. 

II. It is great in the change of circumstances and 

prospects of individuals for time and for 
eternity. 

III. It is great in its exhibition of the divine 
compassion and love. It reveals the stability 
of divine love. He bottles tears. 

IV. It is great in its fruits. Its redeeming in- 

fluences will go on to other generations and 
to eternity. Its greatness is infinite. 

REMARKS, 

1. Even the weeping time of Zion has glo- 
rious things in anticipation. As life springs from 
death in the kernel, so joy springs from pious 
tears. 

2. Joy and gladness and thanksgiving are 
our appropriate exercises to day. God has done 
great things for us, whereof we are glad. 

3. The world around recognizes the work of 
God in his reviving visits to Zion, and pays un- 
willing or willing homage. Our rock is not their 
rock, our enemies being judges. 



TWO BUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 
XXXVIII. 

"He that goeth forth, and yreepeth, bearing precious 
shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing 
ith him."— Psalm exxvi:6. 

THEME. — The sorrowful sowing of Christians 
It in a joyful Jiarvest, or they who are right 

in their spirit and labor, will meet ajoyful reward. 

I. The characteristics of their labor which in- 

sure success: 

1. They go forth — leave the receipt of custom 
to follow Christ. They exchange a worldly for a 
religious occupation. 

i 1 . Weeping' penitence — gratitude, sympathy 
with God, Christ, the redeemed, and the lost. 

3. Bearing precious seed — their burden, 
their theme, their universal panacea, is the gospel. 

II. Such shall meet a joyful reward: 

1. God is their surety. His purpose and 
His promise, they are God's helpers. God must 
succeed, and they with Him. 

2. There is an inseparable connection be- 
tween their labors and reward, as between sow- 
ing and reaping. They sow for God, and God, in 
their appointed work, sows for them. 

KE MARKS. 

1. The motives to Christian zeal are univers 
al and stable. 

They appeal only to renewed hearts. 

They appeal alike to the weak and the strong. 



56 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

God is their unchangeable fullness and power. 

2. Sinner, you avoid the Christian's offen- 
sive truth and his tears, but your glorying is 
short; you. avoid his reward. His morning will 
be your night, your harvest the fruits of your own 
levity, and it will be sad. 



XXXIX. 

•'Lord, whatisman, that thou takest knowledge of him, 
or the son of man that thou makest account of him." — 
Psalm cxliv:3. 

TBEME. — Man's conduct is a libel upon God's 
manifest estimate of him. 

I. In his creation God has ranked man with 

angels ; with a nature capable of animal 
enjoyment, man has ranked himself with 
animals, with a nature capable of angelic 
enjoyments and attainments. 

II. God originally constituted man god of this 

world. Man has written himself the slave 
of Mammon, and yet a vagabond to beg, to 
defraud, and steal in his own dominions. 

III. God bestows* upon man the heirship bf God 
and heaven, and visits him to bring him to 
his home. Man sells his birthright for a 
mess of pottage, spurns his acquaintance, 
and seeks a home with devils. 

REMARKS. 

1. The exaltation of man is from God. His 



TWO BUNDRED SERMO^ OUTLINES. 57 

degradation is from himself. His person, his po- 
sit ion ami his rights, would place him near the 
throne; his own conduct will put him among 
heaven's exiles. 

2. It is because men undervalue themselves 
that they undervalue their fellows. These are 
writing their estimate of their own worth in their 
manifest estimate of their fellow men. 

3. In all their care for men, let Christians 
make God's estimate of man's worth the stand- 
ard of their own estimate. It will be the stand- 
ard of their zeal for man's salvation. 



XL. 

"He hath not dealt so with any nation/'— Psalm 
cxlvii: 20. 

THEME — Goa's moral favors to a nation, in- 
■!,<■ responsibilities of the in habitants. 

I. The revelation of Himself is a moral claim to 

their worship. The attributes of God are 
relative and exactiug. 

II. The revelation of His love directs and defines 

duty to God and man, and so responsibility 
is enhanced. 

III. The providential bestowment of freedom 
removes all obstruction to His service, and 
leaves the people without excuse for un- 
righteousness. 

IV. The gift of the gospel provides a remedy 



58 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

for the past, help for the future, and adds 
the claim of infinite love and compassion. 

REMARKS. 

1. The text is true of our nation ; our obli- 
gations surpass any and all others on earth. 

2. As we surpass all others in obligation so 
do we surpass them in moral terpitude, both 
national and individual. 

3. We may settle it, a fearful or a glorious 
destiny awaits us. No ordinary history is pos- 
sible. If not glorious, the fault will be ours. 

4. Let us remember that social responsi- 
bility is never divided, but multiplied into each 
individual. When individual and solitary respon- 
sibility is not cherished, we are lost. 



XIX 

"But he that sinneth against me, wrongeth his own 
soul." — Proverbs viii: 36. 

THEME. — While the malignity of sin is against 
God, the mischief of it falls on the sinner. 

I. It cannot reach to harm God; nor others or- 

dinarily, without their consent. 

II. It severs the sinner from the fountain of all 

good. 

III. Sin is a tyrant. Its reign is unto death. It 
reacts with terrible power upon the sinner. 

IV. It puts the sinner before the wheels of the 



TWo HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 59 

divine government — he must be crushed, 
or they destroyed or obstructed. 

REMARKS. 

1. There arc shrewd and successful sinners, 
but their cunning is folly, and success ruin. 

The recovery of sinners is a difficult work. 
If we dealt only with results, we should succeed, 
but we have to deal with the cause, and remove 
sin. take away his idol. 

3. The sinner must be cured or destroyed. 
The cure is in our hands. Let us be in earnest, in 
commending and applying it. 

4. Sinners suspect a sinister motive in those 
who would save them. They oppose their best 
friends, in God and saints. 



XL1I. 

••The backslider in heart shall be tilled with his own 
ways." -Proverbs xiv: 14. 

THEME.— The fruits of backsliding from Godare 
'table and hitter. • 

I. What is backsliding? It is: 

1. A receding from duty once preformed or 
assumed. 

2. Areceding from exercises once cherished. 
A decline, involving the heart. 

II. The fruits of this are painful. 

1. Experience will find in it the substitution 
of husks, for bread. 



60 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

2. The heartless enmity of the world, for 
the sunbeams of divine love. 

3. The upbrai dings of a quickened con- 
science are terrible. The heartache must follow. 

REMARKS. 

1. The symptoms of backsliding should be 
marked and met. When the heart inquires how 
far it may get from God, and be safe. When it is 
impatient of religious restraints. When duty is a 
task. 

2. Let none charge their backsliding to se- 
ductive influences or neglect. These may involve 
others in guilt, but the backslider will find the 
guilt in his own heart. 

3. The quadrant should be often used, the 
days of degeneracy may deceive us. 

4. If to come back, to the sinner is so hard 
and dangerous, his position must be fearful. 



XL1II. 

"Look not thou upon the wine, when it is red, 
when it givethhis color in the cup, when it moveth itself 
aright. " — Proverbs xxiii: 31 . 

THEME. — God enjoins abstinence from the use of 
intoxicating drinks in vieiv of their fearful effects. 

I. Their use as a beverage always injures, and it 
endangers total self-destruction. The 
physical effect is only injurious, their moral 
effect is seductive. As appetite strengthens, 



TWO BUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. til 

judgment is bewildered and the power of 
resistance weakened. 

II. It puts in jeopardy all the legitimate domes- 

tic and social claims of life, destroys love, 
disables the hand and exhausts the means 
for service; even a fitful return of love is 
powerless for good. 

III. He who does it inflicts himself a burden 
upon the community, inflicts untold mis- 
chief upon those he is bound to bless, heart- 
pain and suffering and death. 

REMARKS. 

1. In all this the drunkard is inexcusable. At 
the beginning, and all along his dreadful career, 
he plunges from lucid and admonished conscious- 
ness into his guilt. All this mighty hazard is in- 
curred. This terrible sacrifice is deliberately 
made on the altar of appetite. 

By all that is dear in this world to our- 
selves or to those we love, by all that is fearful 
in the eternal damnation of the soul, let intoxi- 
cating drinks be rejected, let temptations be 
spurned. 



XLIV. 

••lioast not thyself of to-morrow: for thou knowest 
not what a day may bring forth."— Proverbs xxviiil. 

THEME. — Tgvxmmce of the future and its lessons. 
I. We are ignorant. 



62 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

1. Of our temporal affairs in the future. ' 

2. Of our family and friends. 

3. Of our sufferings or joys. 

4. Of our health and lives. 

II. What lessons should we learn from this? 

1. Our ignorance of what is reserved for us in 
life, ought to lead us to prepare for the worst. 
No wise sailor starts on a voyage without extra 
preparations for strong weather and heavy seas. 
Anchors, massive chains, extra rudder bonds, etc. 
So we ought to be ready for the storms of life, 
ought to prepare for the worst. 

2. While the future of this life is hidden from 
our eyes, God has kindly revealed what lies be- 
yond the grave, and it is wisdom to search the 
Scriptures which are able to make us wise unto 
salvation. 

3. Religion alone can prepare us for the 
worst here, or save us from the worst hereafter. 



XLV. 

"A time to speak." — Ecclesiastes iii:7. 

THEME. — There are times when the duty to speak 
is imperative. 

I. When an opportunity presents of communicat- 

ing what we know, and what sinners need 
to know. 

II. When others in right speak to us, whether 

man or God. 



TWO BTJNDRED SERMON OUTLIN1 

III. When a. benefactor is to be commended, in 
gratitude or benevolence. 

IV. When the heart is burdened with sin, with 

necessity, with gratitude, with duty. 

REMARKS. 

1. All this indicates that speech is a choice 
and responsible gift, only to be used when we 
have something to communicate. 

i 1 . There is unquestionablv wisdom in si- 
lence. But silence may be very criminal and in- 
jurious. 

3. The apostle might well say, "Let your 
speech be seasoned with salt, and always with 
grace, that it may minister edification to them 
that hear." 

4. If speech be a duty, then to hear when 
others speak is a duty. 



XLVI. 

"It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found 
him whom my soul loveth. ? '— Solomon's Song iii: 4. 

THEME.— Christians must run- go a little beyond 
the instruments of blessing, in order to Jiml Christ, 
<m<l get the blessing of his love — because: 

I. If we look for the end, in the means, we lose 

their use, and are not conducted by them 
to Christ, for which they were designed. 

II. If we be satisfied with them as an end it is 



64 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

idolatry. We rob Christ of His glory, giv- 
ing it to another. 

III. Christ will be our all, or He will not be ours. 
He will not divide His glory with His min- 
isters or give it to another. 

REMARKS. 

1. God puts the treasures of Christ in earth- 
en vessels, that the excellency of the power may 
be of God, and not of us. To worship such ves- 
sels is idolatry and folly. To despise them as 
God's chosen vessels of mercy, is ungrateful and 
offensive. 

2. Those who do not come to the means of 
grace, will surely not go beyond them, and find 
Christ. The wise will say to every watchman, 
"Saw ye Him whom my soul loveth?" 

3. Let those who find Christ, hold Him fast 
and bring Him home, that others may share in 
their joy. The loving seek Christ, and seek sin- 
ners who shun Him. 



XLVII. 

"Of tie increase of his government and peace there 
shall be no end."— Isaiah ix: 7. 

THEME. — TJie universal success, the perpetuity 
and final glory of the church of Christ, is secured by 
His oivn personal character. 

I. His personal interest in His people is indicated 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 65 

by His birth and its concomitants. A child 
He is born unto them. 

II. His right to them as His subjects— He is giv- 

en to them, a son, and heir to the throne of 
David forever. 

III. His wisdom and equity in the government. 
The Counselor — to establish it with judg- 
ment and justice forever. 

IV. His power to guard and execute — the Won- 

derful, the Counselor, the Mighty God, the 
Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. 
With the zeal of the Lord of Hosts will He 
perform this. 

REMARKS. 

1. Herein is the consolation and courage of 
faith. The conflict may be long -and sharp, but 
victory is certain and glorious. 

2. Herein is a warning to the enemies of God. 
This battle is not with confused noise and gar- 
ments rolled in blood, but with burning and with 
fuel of fire. 

3. It is both an honor and -a privilege to fight 
under the banner of such a Prince. It involves 
all that is nobie in our conception of character or 
glorious in prospect. 



66 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

XLVIII. 

''This is the Lord; we have waited for Him, we will be 
glad and rejoice in His salvation." — Isaiah xxv: 9. 

THEME.— The salvation of God will be a theme 
of everlasting joy and gladness to His people. 

I. God's salvation, possessed, is the realization 

of along cherished and ardent expectation, 
four thousand years of ardent waiting. 

II. It restores to them the long abandoned and 

the long unknown Jehovah of Israel, it 
gives them what is indispensable to the 
inherent and imperishable necessity of 
their nature. 

III. It restores them to the primitive order of 
of their manhood, to its high privileges, 
from which, by reason of sin, the world has 
been plunged down to its present deplor- 
able state. 

REMARKS. 

1. What a contrast! The source of Christian 
gladness arises from a night of sorrow. In such 
a night will the artificial gladness of the sinner 
end. 

2. Let care be taken to distinguish the sal- 
vation of God, with its positive gladness, from the 
gladness of a false hope. The distinction is ob- 
vious. 

3. The gladness of God's people should be 
cherished as a means of making known the ex- 
cellency of God's salvation to a lost world. Sal- 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 67 

vat ion possessed is the salvation successfully com- 
mended to others. To rejoice in it is to make it 
known. 



XLIX. 

"Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been 
honorable, and I have loved thee." — Isaiah xliii: 4. J 

THEME. — The amiabilities of the Church are not 

"ise, but the fruits of the preceding love of Christ. 

I. From first to last every member of His Church, 

when He found them, was without comeli- 
ness. Love found, and began their refor- 
mation. 

II. The Church is brought into an honorable 

union with Christ. Love preceded selection 
and marriage. 

III. The Church is honorably clad, and richly 
endowed. Robe. Love precedes adorn- 
ment, and endowment. 

IV. The victories of the Church are glorious. 

Love fought her first battle when she was 
not, and martials the hosts of heaven for 
her conquests. 

jT REMARKS. 

1. The amiabilities and honors of the Church 
should indeed fill her heart with gratitude, her 
tongue with praise, and her hands with work, but 
they should never minister to pride. 



68 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

2. The days of Zion's reproach may well be en- 
dured. Precious in her Lord's esteem, she can 
well endure. Besides they are numbered. Love 
has secured her honors from above and from be- 
neath. 

3. God's interest in His Church as indicated 
by His past expenditures on her behalf, is her se- 
curity for the future. He will furnish the sacri- 
fice. Let her enemies beware. 



"I bring near my righteousness. " — Isaiah xlvi: 13. 

THEME. — That righteousness, and that alone 
which saves men, is of God, and is available. 

I. It is the perfect result of the divine nature, 

meeting the abstract and eternal principle 
of right. 

II. It is a law magnifying righteousness. The 

abstract is secured in the law and fulfilled 
in Christ. 

III. It is a sinner justifying righteousness; it is 
transferable by imputation and by implan- 

' tation. 

IV . It is a righteousness near at hand, and not 
afar off. It is brought near in Him, who 
wrought it in our nature and in the gospel. 

V. It is a life-giving righteousness. It involves 

both the conditions of life, and is life itself. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 68 

REMARKS. 

1. This subject gives to salvation itself a 
character worthy of its author. It is a moral, as 
well as a legal restoration. 

:!. Salvation is possible to all. Its rejection 
alone excludes any from its benefits. Those are 
mad who substitute their own righteousness, and 
those who boldly reject all righteousness. 

3. God may well call those who are the de- 
positors of His salvation ''His glory," "Earthen 
vessels filled with God's treasure." 



LI. 

•■Ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters. " 
— Isaiah lv: 1. 

THEME. — The counterpart to man's necessities, 
n the gospel, is free to all. 

I. It is free in its equal and universaladaptation 

to the necessities of all. It is no partial 
provision. The disease is one, and the rem- 
edy one. 

II. It is free in the divinely prescribed terms of 

its proclamatian. Everyone that thirsteth. 
Without price. All the world. Every 
creature. 

III. It is free in the mission and hearts of God's 
people. Their longing is for all, and their 
appeal is to all. 

IV. It is free in the heart and desires of God as 



70 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

confirmed by His own oath, and constantly 
exhibited in His warnings, forbearance and 
love. 

REMARKS. 

1. Whether sinners are saved or lost, their 
end will magnify the love of God, the fullness of 
the gospel, the riches of grace, and the benevo- 
lence of Christians. 

2. Let Christians remember that free grace 
in the gospel, and free grace in their commission, 
.and free grace in their hearts, should tax their 
energies to the uttermost to extend it. 

3. Sinners, by all that is imperathre in your 
necessities and the fullness and freeness of the 
gospel, or startling and vast in your soul's im- 
mortal interests, I beg you to pause, ponder, 
come. 



UI. 

"Thou art wearied in the greatness of the way; yet 
saidstthou not, there is no hope." — Isaiah lvii: 10. 

THEME. — The cherishing of a false hope offends 
God. 

I. It perverts judgment, substitutes will wor- 

ship and plays the hypocrite. 

II. It quarrels with justice, and anticipates ac- 

quittal at its expense. 

III. It encourages in sin, and strengthens the 
bonds of wickedness. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 71 

IV. It hides the only door of hope to the guiltly, 
that of despair, and so prevents recovery 
and destroys the soul. 

REMARKS. 

1. How just the denunciation against those 
prophets who sewed pillows to armholes and 
turned men from repentance by promising them 
life. 

2. God's truth must be thundered till the 
world is waked from the dream of a false hope. 
The ministry is to reform, and not to entertain the 
world. 



Lin. 

"There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked." — 
Isaiah lvii: 21. 

THEME. — Mien can never know peace till theij are 
restored to harmony, and fellowship with God. 

I. It is prevented by an internal warfare. 

Their perceptive judgment and pruden- 
tial faculties are at war with their hearts, 
their moral nature. 

II. In their devotion to their animal earthly na- 

ture, the great necessities of their spiritual 
natures are unmet. The cryings of their 
immortality may be drowued by the revel- 
ries of earth, but not hushed. 

III. The selfishness of apostacy is a state of 



72 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

ceaseless warfare upon the universe. Its 
life is craving aggression. This is recipro- 
cated by man, and avenged by God. 

REMARKS. 

1. To give peace to man, both himself and 
his condition must be changed, no human device 
will meet his necessity. 

2. The gospel provides for man's recognized 
necessity, its atoning blood, and its regenerating 
Spirit. 

3. If the gospel be a failure for man there is 
no help. Ignore or stave off the issue as he may, 
he must bite the dust of despair. If it be rejected, 
a suicidal result is inevitable. The pride of the 
scorner is shortlived, and its end bitter and ever 
enduring remorse. 



LIV. 

"But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor 
and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. ' ' — 
Isaiah lxvi: 2. 

THEME. — The pious heart is God's distinguished 
treasure. 

I. The indications or exercises of a pious heart. 

1. Lowly and penitent spirit, "poor and of a 
contrite spirit. " 

2. A heart that reveres the word of God, 
"trembleth at my word." 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 73 

II. Such are the distinguished treasure of the 

Lord. 

1. These are gems that have cost Him more 
than all beside; all else is made, these redeemed. 

2. These are His moral gems. When He 
looks to them, they look back to Him. 

3. The world will distinguish them by its 
hatred. It will hold them as it holds God. 

4. All else is for transient use. These are 
an everlasting inheritance. Worlds perish, they 
survive. 

REMARKS. 

1. Pride is an expensive gratification, the 
exchange of divine for human approbation, with 
ultimate self abhorrence. 

2. Christians should never fear to be singu- 
lar. The good have not sought, but dared to be 
singular. Separation is their hope. 

3. God will look at his enemies. He will dis-- 
tinguish them. "Gather out the tares" precedes 
the harvest of His wheat. 



LV. 

••But I said, how shall I put thee among the chil- 
dren?" — Jeremiah iii: 19. 

THEME. — The amazing difficulties in the way of 
ition demand a sovereign and al- 
mighty remedy. 



74 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

I. The number and power of the enemies of the 

sinner's salvation demand it. Sinful men and 
devils. 

II. The number and magnitude of the sinner's 

sins demand it. Their number is limited 
only by time, and their magnitude by their 
imbecility. 

III. The energy of his alienation from God, and 
the strength of his attachment to his idols, 
demand a sovereign and almighty remedy. 

REMARKS. 

1. Indifference to the sinner's condition on 
the part of his friends is cruel, on his own part it 
is madness. 

2. Sinner, let no false pretender be allowed 
to trifle with your condition, to heal your wound 
slightly, or betray you with deceitful remedies. 

3. The work of salvation is a great woi*k. 
Jeremiah may prophesy and weep. Prophets 
may testify and seal their testimony with their 
blood, but God must help or men will perish. 

"My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very 
heart." — Jeremiah iv: 19. 



LVI. 

THEME. — To prepare the Christian for His work, 
it should become a passion with him. 

I. The enormity of sin against a holy God. His 
God demands it. 



TWO BUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 75 

II. The evils which sin intiict upon the world de- 

mand it. 

III. His own relation to the sinner and his guilt- 
demand it. - 

IV. The impending wrath of God, by him recog- 

nized, demands it. 

REMARKS. 

1. Great care should be taken to distinguish 
between the passion of love, and the excitement 
of passion. 

2. The powers of the Christian are inade- 
quate to endure constantly the passion of love, 
and his powers of moral influence are alike limited. 

3. Hostility to all excitement in matters of 
religion, and religious interests, is unreasonable 
and heartless. 

4. When love for the sinner and a desire to 
rescue him from the guilt and peril of his con- 
dition becomes apassion with Christians, Apostles , 
and Prophets, and Angels, and Christ, and God, 
is not their own indifference and unconcern, 
amazing? 



LVI1. 

"Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed 
times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow ob- 
serve the time of their coming: but my people knoweth 
not the judgment of the Lord." — Jeremiah viii: 7. 

THEME. — The instinctive proprieties of animals 



76 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

are a reproof to the moral delinquencies of men. 

I. By their instinctive observance of the law of 

self-preservation, while man disregards the 
prudential suggestions of his higher nature. 

II. By their instinctive regard to the providen- 

tial promptings of God, while man disre- 
gards the promptings of both the provi- 
dence of God, and of His intelligent speech. 

III. By their subjection to the laws of nature, 
while man deliberately rushes against the 
moral laws of the infinite God. The brutes 
obey God and bow their necks to man, 
while men resist both. 

REMARKS. 

1. If God takes care, in the order of His gov- 
ernment, that His natural laws shall not be vio- 
lated with impunity, how much more shall He 
guard His moral laws with appropriate penalties. 

2. The exceptions to certain and appropriate 
vengeance are the result of a wonderful plan of 
substantial vengeance and evangelical mercy, 
that ought to command the profound attention of 
men. 

3. By how much is man exalted in his nature, 
by so much is he degraded by his moral delin- 
quencis and crimes against the higher laws of his 
nature and his God. 



TWO IirXDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 77 

LVIII. 

• * In his days Judah shall be saved, and all Israel 
shall dvell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall 
b< i called, the Lord our righteousness." — Jeremiah xxiii:<5. 

THEME.— The eternal justification of all Christ- 
ians is secured in the relevant titles of Christ. 

I. ''The Lord. " He reigns over them in his own 

inherent right and might. 

II. All His subjects are justified in His right- 

eousness imputed by faith. His righteous- 
ness is appropriated to their use. 

III. His righteous reign. Laws are the stand- 
ard of righteousness by which the kingdom 
with whose destiny they are identified, is 
characterized. The man of God is perfect 
in his status. 

IV. He is the model of righteousness, after 

which they are apprehended of the gospel, 
that they may be fashioned and after which 
thev are constantly aiming. 

REMARKS. 

1. As C(irist is all in all to His people, they 
should be all for all, too. To Him belong all the 
service, all the praise. 

2. Under such a reign, those He places in 
authority should be righteous. From such a 
chief shepherd it may be inferred what the under 
shepherds should be. 



78 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

3. The extension of such a reign is a blessing. 
Saints should promote it, and sinners oppose it at 
their own cost and peril. 



LIX. 

Turn ye, turn ye, from your evil ways; for why will 
ye die?" — Ezekiel xxxiii: 11. 

THEME. — In the text there are four things that 
claim our attention. 

I. Sinners are now on the road to death. 

II. There is a way to life; God desires the sin- 

ners to turn into it. 

III. The sinner is arbiter of his own fate. 

IV. The sinner's indifference to his position is 

reversed in the solicitude of heaven and 
earth. The appeal of God, the ministry of 
angels, and the labors of Christians, the 
monitions of conscience, and the alarm and 
fear, all have to be passed by the sinner in 
reaching his doom. 

Why should the sinner die, 

God bids him live ' 
oesus the Savior's nigh, 

Release to give. 

Why should the sinner die, 

Since Jesus died. 
And now he pleads on high 

His blood applied. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 79 

LX. 

••For why will ye-die?" — Ezekiel xxxiii: 11. 

THEME. — The damnation of the sinner is the re- 
sult of his ovm decree. This will appear if we notice 
the opposing barriers, through which he reaches his 

I. The desires and expostulations of God. Why 
will ye die? God desires you should live. 

IE. Why will ye die? Christ desires you should 
live. So says his death. So says his life. 

III. Why will ye die? Your sins do not demand 
it. There is a remedy ;0 spurn it not. 

IV. Why will ye die? Heaven and earth are 

moved for your return. 

REMARKS. 

1. One knows not which most to wonder at, 
the almightiness of the sinner's will, or the fear- 
ful madness of his folly. His task is herculean 
and his end fearful. 

2. The subject shows the fallacy of the sin- 
ner's supposed desire to be a Christian. There 
is nothing in heaven or earth to prevent, but his 
own will. Impunity is all he desires. 

3. However high or mysterious the doctrine 
of divine decrees, let the the sinner know they 
neither interfere with his freedom, nor impair his 
own guilt or responsibility. God will take care of 
His decrees. Let the sinner look out for his. 



80 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

LXI. 

"But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind 
hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, 
and they took his glory from him." — Daniel v: 20. 

THEME. — Pride endangers the soul. It leads to 
destruction. 

I. It hides favors and so promotes ingratitude, 

and offends God. 

II. It lifts us above our fellows, and so unfits us 

for social duties. 

III. It begets false security, and so betrays us 
to danger ; begets presumption. 

IV. It blinds us to our real character, and so 

turns us away from Christ our remedy. 

V. It spurns subjection to God, and ventures 

the fearful experiment of his wrath. 

REMARKS. 

1. Occasions of pride are dangerous arid 
should be guarded agains t — beauty, wit, talents, 
property, flattery. 

2. Conversion, spirit tual enriching and fa- 
vor, are preceded by self abasement, humility and 
broken-heartedness. 

3. The gospel aims not to flatter, but to hum- 
ble the heart. The doctrines of the cross are a 
oitter, but healthful medicine to the carnal heart. 

4. The doom of tyrants, the fall of nations, 
the ruin of men, the destruction of the world, and 
the woes of the lost, are written in the pride of 
the human heart. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 81 

LXII. 

beginning of thy supplications the command- 
ment came forth, and I am come to show thee; for thou 
art greatly beloved."— Daniel ix: 23. 

THEME. — Whe?i prayer is right, the answer is 

. speed ij awl appropriate. 

I. Love anticipates it. The praying soul is 

greatly beloved of God, and cared for though 
a captive in a foreign land. 

II. Love times the answer. When the prayer is 

right the answer is immediate, "at the be- 
ginning. 

III. Love commands infinite resources, from 

which to meet and answer prayer, direct 
or instrumental. 

REMARKS. 

1. How near and intimate the relation of 
praying souls to the invisible world. The breath- 
of their hearts- is heard in heaven, and quick- 
ens the fiight of angels to their relief. 

The promises of God are the life and 
guide of the prayers of God's people. When 
Daniel understood by certain books, he prayed. 
It is meet when we find a check, that we carry to 
the bank. 

3. When the interests of Zion demand it, 
<l interferes with politics, and sways earthly 
legislation. When God commands Darius, Darius 
commands deliverance to Israel. 



82 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

4. Let sinners remember that though the 
heavenly world is invisible to them, they are not 
invisible to it. God sees them. 



LXIII. 

"And they shall say, thou art my God."— Hosea ii:23. 

THEME. — The pious ivill recognize God in His 
providential preservation of them from temporal ca- 
lamities. 

I. In their constant preservation from the un- 

seen dangers and foes to human life. 

II. In their safe preservation from the ferocity 

of depraved and malignant human nature. 

III. In the wonderful concatenation of causes by 
which all the supplies of life reach them 
from the throne of God. Vs. 18. 

IV. In the preservation of the scattered sainls, 

and their successful uses, as seeds of right- 
eousness, sown in the earth. 

REMARKS, 

1. Neither theassumption of accident, northe 
officious claims of philosophy and science, should 
be permitted to hide the hand of God from the be- 
liever, in any event of life. 

2. Prayer and thanksgiving should be made 
to cover all the temporalities of life, even those 
which seem but of small interest. 

3. If God's hand is to be recognized and de- 
pended upon, in the temporalities of life, how 
much more in our higher, and spiritual interests. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 83 

LX1V. 

"For it i9 time to seek the Lord, till He come and 
rain righteousness upon you." — Ho6ea x: 12. 

THEME. — When God 's people properly seek Him 
He will come and renew the redeeming power of His 
grace. 

I. It is indispensable to successful seeking of 

God, that those who seek, break up the fal- 
low ground of the heart, that they be broken 
hearted. 

II. That they put away their sins, that they sow 

in righteousness. Sin stuck to is God re- 
jected. 

III. That they seek Him, not as an experiment, 
but as a dernier ressort — till He come. 

REMARKS. 

1. It rests with the few, the praying few, 
whether God shall come and extend His work, or 
not. 

2. The present is the time. The moral 
drought is terrible, and there are indications of 
showers in the heavens, "hand," seven times. 

3. What deathless interests are at stake. A 
reign of righteousness, or a storm of vengeance is 
certain. 



LXV, 

"O my people, what have I done unto thee; and where- 
in have 1 wearied thee? 1 ' — Micah vi:3. 

THEME. — Weariness in the divine a rvict is a 



84 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

just cause of complaint on the part of God. 

I. Symptoms of weariness: 

1. When His service is felt an intrusion upon 
other occupations. 

2. When its burdens are felt to be oppres- 
sive, and escape is desirable. 

3. When it is neglected, or performed with 
reluctance. 

II. It is a just ground of complaint : 

1. To be weary of God's service is to be 
weary of a holy life. Vs. 8. 

2. It is to despise the rich rewards of grace. 
God's people do not serve for naught. 

3. It is unparalleled ingratitude for those 
services which God has rendered for us. 

REMARKS. 

1. If Christians are weary of God's service, 
they will feel little interest in persuading others 
to it. 

2. If Christians perpetuate their own contro- 
versy with God, they will reprove others in vain. 

3. Weariness with the divine service is a 
moral disease of the heart. Distress will follow 
and be the portion of the backslider in heart. 

4. God's forbearance is amazing, but he has 
a rod for delinquents, and vengeance for his foes. 



LXVI. 

: Woe unto him tha,t giveth his neighbor drink, that 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 85 

putteth the bottle to him, and maketh him drunken also." 
— Habakuk ii: 15. 

THEME. — The traffic in intoxicatinfj drink is an 
immorality denounced of God, as obnoxious to His 
judgment and 'ion. 

I. It is a pecuniary fraud. It is the taking ad- 

vantage of a suicidal weakness, to fleece the 
buver of his wealth. 

II. It is a conspiracy with a weak or wicked man 

to defraud those dependent upon him, to 
take from him what belongs to wife and 
children. 

III. It is a conspiracy for pecuninay gain to 
hazard the life, and eternal well being of 
the victim. Drunkenness excludes from 
the kingdom of heaven. 

IV. It imposes a burden upon community, ren- 

ders property and life insecure. The 
drunkard is a maniac, the lives of his fami- 
ly are insecure with him. 

REMARKS. 

I. The duty of the community in relation to 
an immorality of such unsurpassed enormity and 
mischief is' very plain. It should suppress it. 

He who ventures upon this fearful traffic 
must settle it with God. He has pronounced His 
"Woe" upon him. A woe commensurate with the 
harm done and ruin wrought, ought certainly to 
be expected and dreaded by him who putteth the 
bottle to his neighbor, and maketh him drunken. 



36 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

LXV1L 

"Will a man rob God?"— Malachi iii: 8. 
THEME. — It is a fearful crime to rob God. 

I. By it the rights of a just proprietor are in- 

vaded. The wrong must be redressed. 

II. By it the tender rights of a Father, of a kind 

Benefactor, are outraged. The crime is 
fearful. 

III. By it the rights of the Universal Sovereign 
are outraged. The demand for vengeance 
is universal. 

IV. By it a feeble man takes issue with the 

mighty God. The result is written in the 
relative disparity of the parties. 

REMARKS. 

1 If men deny this issue with God, it will be 
no new thing. The blinding power of selfishness 
is amazing. 

2. God's remonstrance is just, and kind as it 
is just, and His forbearance is amazing. Truly, 
the thoughts of mercy with God are high above 
ours. 

3. The day of reckoning must come; and if 
the goodness of God leads to no repentance, the 
day of retribution will right God and reward men. 



LXVIH. 

"And the Lord harkened and heard it, and a book of 
remembrance was written before Him for them that feared 
the Lord and thought upon His name." — Malachi iii: 16. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 87 

THEME, — God cherishes a deep interest in the 
■> reation of the pious concerning Himself. 

I. Their conversation is in harmony with His 

own mind. 

II. Their conversation is a counter-testimony to 

the reproaches of His enemies. 

III. It is indicative of the presence of those in- 
ward graces which please Him. They 
feared God — thought upon his name. 
Cleaved to the good. 

IV. With such God himself could converse, and 

on such He could pour the blessings of life, 
in which is his great delight. 

REMARKS. 

1. When God's enemies are numerous and 
clamorous, Christians should not be silent. That is 
the time for them to speak. 

2. Like God, the gospel will distinguish the 
righteous from the wicked, by their speech. It 
reveals the servants of God. 

3. The gracious estimate in which God holds 
his children, more than compensates for the re- 
proaches of men. His jewels. His diadem. 

4. God will confound His enemies by the vin- 
dication of his friends. There is a burning oven 
as well as a smiling heaven. 



LXIX. 

"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after 
righteousness: for they shall be filled." — Matthew v: 6. 



88 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

THEME. — All evangelical desires after sinless 
fellowship ivith God, vrill be satisfied. 

I. Notice the object of desire, righteousness, i. e., 

that God in no wise be wronged by us. 

II. The desire, appetite, hunger, thirst, legiti- 

mate, strong. 

III. How satisfied. 

1. By our substitute. 

2. In our own sanctification. 

REMARKS. 

1. When God revives the graces of his peo- 
ple, He begins by reviving the appetite. He feeds 
the hungry. Sin vitiates and enfeebles our desires 
after holiness. 

2. Sin perverts the appetite of sinners. 
Their spirits pine and perish for the bread of life. 
Mocked by a hungering and thirsting after van- 
ity. 



LXX. 

"Ye are the light of the world." — Matthew v: 14. 

THEME. — The world is shut up to the children of 
God, for His saving^ truth. Its knowledge is only by 
them. 

I. They are the divinely appointed and respon- 

sible repository of God's saving truth. 

II. They are the practical exponents of God's 

saving truth. Stars preach God, not 
Christ. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 89 

III. They are God's missionaries, His chosen and 
commissioned instruments for giving His 
saving truth to a benighted world. 

REMARKS. 

1. All the colleges, all the schools of science, 
with which the world may be favored, will never 
shed upon it the light of life. The revealed gos- 
pel of Christ, and the piety of Christians must 
alone do this. 

2. Would Christians fulfil their mission to a 
lost world, they must take heed to two things, 
themselves and their doctrine; defect in either 
dims the light. 

3. The responsibility of Christians is unsur- 
passed. If fully met by them, they roll that re- 
sponsibility upon those who hear them. To with- 
hold the light or to reject it, is attended with re- 
sults which run parallel with eternity. 



LXXI. 

"Ye are the light of the world."— Matthew v: 14. 

THEME. — God has made His church His treasure 
house of redemption light to the world. 

I. They are the living exponents of His pardon- 

ing mercy to a lost world. 

II. They are the living exponents of His recover- 

ing grace to a lost world. 

III. They are efficient exponents of evangelical 
or Bible morality to a lost world* 



90 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

IV. Of all these are they the treasure house for 
the heathen and for generations yet unborn. 

REMARKS. 

1. The church should be transparent. The 
unrighteous in her fold are as spots on the sun; 
they obscure her light. 

2. Theoretical professors and churches are 
as false lights on a stormy coast. They accelerate 
the doom of the lost mariner on the sea of time. 

3. How infinitely fearful are the responsibili- 
ties which rest upon Christians. They are only 
equaled in magnitude by the sunless, starless and 
lost around us, in the fear fulness of their prospects 
and doom. 



LXXII. 

"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. " 
— Matthew vi: 12. 

THEME. — The forgiveness of the peniten t trans- 
gressor is an imperative duty, indispensable to the 
divine approbation. 

I. Because vengeance is no part of our mission. 

We dare not die with a personal matter 
against anyone. "We should not live with it. 

II. What we take we should give. If we live by 

mercy we should live in mercy. To refuse 
to exercise mercy is, to spurn mercy exer- 
cised. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 91 

III. The mission of Christ, for the accomplish- 
ment of which he takes us into union with 
Himself, is a mission of mercy. It is meet, 
if they share the benefit of that mission, 
that they should share its spirit and work. 

REMARKS. 

1. Forgiveness is limited to the penitent; 
but while the incorrigible are uot to be forgiven, 
yet are we as solemnly bound to love them as we 
are to forgive the penitent. 

2. Unsanctified human nature will ever find 
this a hard duty to perform. It will use much 
sophistry to avoid it. Concern for justice! Ab- 
horrence of sin. 

3. A failure in this duty will vitiate prayer, 
render zeal suspicious, grieve Christ, and inter- 
rupt the descending mercies of God, and envelop 
the soul in darkness. 



LXXIII. 

•'Ye cannot serve God and mammon." — Matthew vi: 
24. 

THEME. — To be a servant of mammon is to be an 
idolater, is to abandon the true God. 

I. Over his servant mammon claims his supreme 

affections. God will never consent to hold 
the second place in the affections of a hu- 
man heart. 

II. Over his servant mammon claims the higher 



92 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

and more commanding estimate of his 
relative value. God is thereby effectually 
' rejected. 

III. Mammon claims of his servant that which 
belongs to God, as a sacrifice upon his altar, 
time, talents, virtue, religious duty, and the 
church of God. Allowing God to be mocked 
with the mere fragments. 

REMARKS. 

1. Though it is fatal to serve mammon, it is 
wise to make mammon serve us. The reversal 
may be difficult, but it is an imperative duty. 

2. Children learn to be mammon worship- 
ers as the Catholic learns his image, his Mary 
and his Priest worship, by drinking in the 
worship with which they are surrounded from the 
nursery, upward. 

3. God is often under the necessity of break- 
ing the neck of this Dagon, mammon, in order to 
cure their folly. Judgments alone can save. 

4. To preserve our freedom from mammon 
service may be a difficult task, but his yoke must 
be broken, and his usurpations rejected or we are 
lost. 



LXXIV. 

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His 
righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto 
you." — Matthew vi: 33. 

THEME. — Tlie attainment of a religious state is 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 93 

'7 hi, and should be the first care of a man's life. 

I. Because, without it, the possession of all 

things else wil] avail him nought but in- 
jury. 

II. Till he attains that, his life is a life of revolt 

and sin, and he is at war with the universe 
and himself. 

III. A religious state involves interests of sur- 
passing and infinite magnitude. Godliness 
is profitable unto all things, having the 
promise of this life, and of that which is to 
come. 

REMARKS. 

1 The preference given to worldly cares is 
unprofitable:such preference is quite too obvious 
and common. 

2. Men will be justified in holding the world 
in abeyance, till the soul's interests are settled. 
They should act, they should bring their wisdom, 
their determination, and their energy to bear up- 
on this subject, as they do in their worldly career. 
Secure this. God adds the rest. 



LXXV. 

■ek ve first the kingdom of God.'' — Mat'. 
THEME. — The, < J <tiins of religion amount. 

1. The kingdom of God as an object to be sought. 



94 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

1. The reign. The government of God as 
the rule of life. 

2. Its provisions as adapted to meet all our 

necessities. 

II. Its claims are paramount, because 

1. It involves legitimate authority backed 
by infinite love. 

2. It involves the well being of society, and 
our own competent supply of temporal good. 

III. It involves our eternal destiny. Neglected, 
we may gain the world, but lose the soul — 
obtained, we may save the soul, and gain 
the world. 



REMARKS. 

1. Christians need not be afraid, and they 
ought not to hesitate, to take all the time from 
their worldly affairs that the interests of re- 
ligion demand. Christ is their surety. The fowls! 
The lilies! 

2. The present, fierce reign of mammon is 
full of guilt and danger. The rites and services 
of no heathen idol were ever more offensive to 
God than the sacrifices and service of mammon. 
The altars of Molock or of Juggernaut never 
drank the blood of half the human sacrifices that 
the altar of mammon has. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OJJTLINES. 95 

LXXVI. 

"Por He taught them as oue fraying authority." — 
Matt, vii: 

THEME. — TJie authority of the gospel is extrinsic. 
Its claim to our credence is exclusively in its author. 

I. Aside from the credibility of its author, the 

profoundest intellect has no means of test- 
ing the truth of its facts 

II. Aside from the credibility of its author, we 

have no means of testing the propriety of 
His deductions. His doctrines. 

III. Aside from the credibility of its author, we 
have no means of testing the utility of His 
precepts. 

IV. Of the entire credibility of its author, we 

have ample tests.and abundant proof. His 
divinity is established. 

1. By the typical economy of Moses. The 
priest, the altar, and the sacrifice. 

2. By the testimony of the Prophets. His 
superhuman and divine personage. Isaiah ix: 6. 
His mediatorial work. His death and resurrection. 

3. His own works. He controlled the ele- 
ments. He controlled by His power apostate 
angels. He healed diseases, and raised the dead. 

REMARKS. 

1. Reason has two things to do with Christ's 
teachings. 



96 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

1. Examine His credentials. 

2. Learn what He says. 

2. Absolute subjection to Christ should 
characterize both our faith and obedience. 



LXXVII. 

"Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I 
came not to send peace, but a sword." — Matt. 10: 34. 

THEME. — Tlie peace ivhich Christ brings invol- 
ves life-long tear. 

I. No sooner is a soul converted, than he has 

war in himself — self against self. 

II. With the lovers of error. Light offends eyes 

long accustomed to darkness. and the doers 
of dark deeds. 

III. With the lovers of mischief. Mischievous 

devils, law- perverting lawyers, and man- 
decieving and man destroying Pharisees. 
It brought the sword. As did, and fared 
the Master, so will do and fare the disciple. 

IV. With the pleasure loving. Aggression upon 

the repose of sin is the ceaseless work of 
Christians. To this end are they weapon- 
ed — "word, spirit." 

REMARKS. 

1. As to fairness this war will be conducted 
according to the spirit of the Darties. On the one 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 97 

side is arrayed love, truth, spirit, but on the oth- 
■ltishness, hatred, devil. 

The parties to this conflict are divided 
upon a moral line. Ties oi' consanguinity are dis- 
regarded. The parties are formed by a sympathy 
of moral character, and adhere by a tie of moral 
alhnity. 

3. The results of this conflict are not uncer- 
tain. God's side must conquer, conquer a univer- 
sal peace, and all the disturbers of that peace. 
Whether men or devils, they must perish. 



LXXVIII. 

' ; But whom say ye that I am '?" — Matt. 16: 15. 

THEME. — Christ expects a correct testimony con- 
[f from His disciples, ichatever others 
/Hint. 

I. Because they alone are competent to give it. 

God has revealed it to them by His spirit. 

II. Others will say. and say falsely, concerning 

Him. The disciples must correct it, and 
set the world right concerning Him. 

III. The disciples owe such testimony to the 
necessities of an unenlightened world. 

IV. As woi shipers, they owe it to the honor of 

their ascended Lord. 

REMARKS. 

1. Christ may well call this a blessed privi- 



98 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

lega It is blessed in the preparation for the 
work. Blessed as a work of gratitude and benev- 
olence, and blessed for its security. 

2. The glory of Christ thus revealed through 
the instrumentality of His people, shall ultimately 
be confirmed by His enemies. 



LXXIX. 

"For the Son of man. is come to save that which is 
lost."— Matt. 18: 11. 

THEME. — The mission of Christ is indicative of 
the fearf ulness of the sinners' condition. 

I. The condition which can derive help from none 

but such hands, must be desperate. 

II. The expedient of rescue by the substitution 

of Himself in the suffering of death, indi- 
cates it. 

III. Christ's reliance, net upon the power of 
persuasion, but upon the new- creating en- 
ergy of the Holy Spirit, indicates it. 

REMARKS. 

1. Whatever means Christians employ for 
the recovery of the lost, they should rely upon the 
efficient power of Christ for success. 

2. The desires' of the carnal heart, the flat- 
teries of men, and the seductions of the devil de- 
ceive men as to the desperateness of their condi- 
tion. The sooner they are undeceived the better. 

3. Sinners are sought. Why flee from 
Christ ? Stop and hear the Saviour calling to you. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 99 

LXXX. 

"I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and 
I of Jacob. God is not the God of the dead, but 
of the living."— Matt. 22: 32. 

THEME. — Our sou Is a re dec, t h less , th e y su rv ive 
the dissolution of the body. This will appear: 

I. From the expenditures of creation. 

II. From the expenditures of redemption. 

III. From its identity at the judgment. 

IV. From the history of departed spirits. 

* REMARKS. 

1. What dignity is thrown around the being 
of a man ! Occupations of infinite magnitude 
claim his attention. Oh how odious the bestiality 
of the world ! 

2. Death is modified by this subject. It is 
but the process of the change of the mode of our 
existence, and is gloomy only to the unbeliever. 

3. Redemption and the work of Christians 
are magnified. To savedeathless men is an occu- 
pation worthy of God and men. 

4. Sinners are admonished. To make ship- 
wreck of immortality is fearful. 

5. The judgment, hell, heaven are relative 
terms. They are matters in which we have im- 

- liable interests. Interests which, as we 
treat the gospel, are fraught with eternal happi- 
ness or misery. 

Lore. 



100 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

LXXXI. 

"Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been 
faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many- 
things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." — Matt. 25: 23. 

THEME. — A social participation of our Lord's 
glory is legitimate, and appropriate to a participation 
in the Lord's servitude. 

I. If any have been made partakers of the Lord's 

fidelity, in His enterprise, to endure its con- 
flicts, its toils, and its reproaches, it is meet 
that they should have their Lord's honors. 

II. If any have followed the footsteps of their 

Lord in His self-sacrificing pathway of glo- 
ry, it is meet that they should reach the 
same goal of glory with their Lord. 

III. If to raise them to glory, their Lord has in- 
curred the expenditure of His life, it is 
meet He should see of the travail of His soul 
and be satisfied. 

IV. If they have been made partakers of their 

Lord's new nature, it is meet that they 
should share the legitimate joys of that new 
nature. 

REMARKS. 

1. That faith which justly anticipates the 
glory, will joyfully take the service. 

2. The service of God is honorable. What a 
fellowship ! Its rejection is folly. 

3. The sordid selfishness and pride of the 



TWO HUNDRED SKKMON OUTLINES. 101 

world in withholding the Lord's honors and treas- 
ure, is a world's ruin. 



LXXXII. 

'•What, could ye not watch with me one hour?" — 
Matt, xxvi: 40. 

THEME. — Patient, self-denying, and vigilant 
sympathy with Christ in His work, is an imperative 
duty, 

I. The overwhelming magnitude of the work it- 

self demands it. A moment may quarry, 
not a diamond, but a soul. 

II. Our own relative position to that work de- 

mands it. It is all for us, or for ours. 

III. The limited time assigned us for endurance, 
as compared with the rest that remains, one 
hour. 

IV. The surpassing vigilance of the Master 

demands it. Ye have not yet resisted un- 
to blood. 

REMARKS. 

1. Is it any wonder that Christ is grieved 
with slumbering Christians — and oh,how multipli- 
ed the occasions of grief! 

2. Slumbering Christians are poor Christ- 
ians. So shall thy want come upon thee as an 
armed man. 

3. Is it a wonder that sinners follow their 
example and sleep too? But Satan does not sleep. 



102 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

LXXXIH. 

"Being grieved for the hardness of their hearts." — 
Mark iii: 5. 

THEME. — Sinners, by their hard-heartednsss, 
grieve Christ. 

I. They trifle with the very tender relation which 

He sustains to them — Father — Benefactor. 

II. They trifle with the infinitely tender and lov- 

ing feelings which He cherishes towards 
them. 

III. They trifle with the self-sacrificings of His 
love for their benefit. 

IV. They trifle with their own eternal destiny, 

to save them from which, He was willing to 
die. 

REMARKS. 

1. When sinners grieve, they cease to grieve 
Christ. Their tears are seeds of joy to Christ, 
angels and themselves. 

2. What a one-sided war this controversy 
between Christ and sinners is! Christ would end 
it, but the objects of His compassion prolong it. 

3. Sinners. Christ looks around on you with 
grief tonight. If Christ heals no hand here, He 
heals hearts. The proofs of His kindness are with 
us, will you grieve Him still'? 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 103 

LXXXIV. 

"But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost, 
hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal dam- 
nation.**— Mark iii: 29. 

THEME. — There is a sin ichicit may be committed 
orid of a man's life, which can never be for- 

I. That sin involves malice against holiness, per- 

fected in words. 

II. That sin involves this malice perfected in 

words against the recognized person of the 
Holy Ghost. 

III. That sin involves the malicious utterance 
of words of blasphemy against the recogniz- 
ed person of the Holy Ghost,as the recog- 
nized agent in the work of practical re- 
demption, in the work of man's recovery. 

REMARKS. 

1. This sin is an exception to all other sins, 
and should not be thought to interfere with, or 
abridge the fullness and freeness of gospel par- 
don. 

2. This sin has the anathema of this world 
and the world to come,becauseit presumptuously 
meets, contemns, and seeks to baffle God in His 
personal visits for man's recovery. 

3. This sin is fatal from no limitation of 
pardoning mercy, but because it deliberately 
spurns the only agent in the universe, who does 



104 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

or can bring mercy to him; it negatives mercy 
in or at its fountain; it poisons the spring. 



LXXXV. 

"And he said to her, For this saying gothyway;the 
devil is gone out of thy daughter." — Mark vii: 29. 

THEME. — If prayer be right, the answer is cer- 
tain; or, the elements of successful prayer, as exhibit- 
ed in the saying of the woman., 

I. The disclaiming of all legal or legitimate claim 

on the part of the petitioner; asked mere 
mercy. 

II. The boldness and importunity of an im- 

perative necessity — Esther, Jacob and this 
woman. 

III. The confidence of faith in God. She recog- 
nized His right, willingness and power to 
give. 

REMARKS. 

1. To offer acceptable prayer, is to go to God 
with a definite errand. The Lord save us from 
composition, from eloquent prayer! Here is a 
divinely approved pattern. 

2. How much better is Christ than the best 
Christians. The disciples would have sent this 
woman away, bub Christ entertained her com- 
plaint and met her necessities. 

3. There is encouragement to pray for others 
when we can make their case our own. "Lord, 



TWO HUNDRED SKLIMON OUTLINES. 105 

help me," said this woman, "My daughter is sore- 
ly vexed." Have we no pressing necessity, no 
child possessed; access is as easy now, and Christ 
aud God are the same. 



LXXXVI. 

••And when he thought thereon, he wept." — Mark xiv: 

THEME. — The grace of God is at once the cause 
and the cure of penitential grief 

I. The grace of God reflects the odious and 

grievous character of sin. We learn our 
guilt at the cross. 

II. The grace of God gives the eye to see, and 

the heart to feel and deplore the bitterness 
and the cruelty of sin. When conscience 
and wounded love cry out, we weep. 

III. The grace of God, in its pardoning fullness, 
makes grateful love to overflow,and hides 
the grief of penitence. The sunshine of 
love, through tears of penitence, presents 

to the eye the rainbow of hope and joy. 

IV. The grace of God changes our life into His 

glory, and mingles self-censure and con- 
fession with songs of victorious grace. 

REMARKS. 

1. Pastimes and diversions are dangerous 
to Christians. If he should more think thereon. 



106 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

he would have more tears, and more joy, more 
complaint and more song. 

2. The Christian needs the word and ordi- 
nances of the gospel, to call back his mind to the 
grace of God. 

3. Sinners are thoughtless — sinners laugh. 
They must think some day, and weep. 



LXXXVH. 

"On earth peace. " — Luke ii: 14 

THEME. — The mission of Christ to earth was a 
mission of 'peace. 

L Personal peace. — In man's apostasy from 
God, the elements of his individual nature 
are thrown into a state of discord and war. 
Inclination and duty are at variance. 

II. Social peace. — Peace between man and man. 

Selfishness is hatred; social war offensive 
and defensive and aggressive is its fruits in 
the social family of man. 

III. Judicial peace. — There is a personal conflict 
between every man and God's law, and 
consequent exposure to judicial wrath. 

IV. Universal peace. — Restored loyalty, or the 

conquest of right will be universal. The 
mission of Christ is peace on earth. 

REMARKS. 

1. In the union of the people of God with 



TWo HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 107 

Christ in His mission they are clothed with the 
panoply of peace Their spirit, their weapons 
and their assaults are peaceful. The war that 
follows is of the world. 

2. The reconquest of the world to the peace- 
ful reign of Christ is one of love and of vengeance. 
The love is ours, the vengeance exclusively God's. 
Our peace is in God. In earth conflict is some- 
times deadly. 

3. Sinners, such a mission is indicative of 
iufinite worth, and of fearful peril on your part. 
Your indifference contrasts strcngly with the 
solicitude of heaven for you. 



LX XX VIII. 

"If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be 
thine. ' '—Luke 4: 7. 

THEME. — Seduction to devil worship is the fate 
of 'all who fear n<>t God. No other antidote can save. 

I. His means are ample to ply them with motive 

paramount to all others, save the fear of the 
Lord. 

II. He has all the power of the seduced to help 

him. Devil worship is self worship. 

III. There is no weapon save the sword of the 
Spirit, which is the Word of God, that sa- 
tan dreads or feels, nor does he fear that 
in the hands that fear not God. 



108 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

REMARKS. 

1. Sinners should be wUrned against an in- 
visible enemy, ever present and ever upon the 
watch for their overthrow. They should not be 
ignorant of his devices. 

2. The fear of the Lord, and the sword of the 
Spirit are the safety of Christians. Their heart 
should be on its guard, and the sword in their 
hands. 

3. The price of man's seduction to sin con- 
sists in promises unfulfilled, or greatly overrated 
by selfish desires, or false representations. 



LXXX1X. 

"But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel 
of God against themselves." — Luke 7: 30. 

THEME. — It is fearful for men to reject or disre- 
gard the counsels of God against their own convic- 
tions. 

I. In their ignorance and peril, to reject the 

guidance of divine counsel, can but be 
against themselves. 

II. It anticipates and nullifies all argument, all 

appeal for the amendment of their ways. 
They have closed the door of moral, and 
shut you up to sinister, appeal. 

III. ■ It renders the controversy with God known 

and direct. It is the worst, the finishing 
type of sin. 



two Hundred sermon outlines 109 

REMARKS. 

1. The counsel of God will be the sufficient, 
the only apology for the upright and obedient. 

2. The error ist and the hypocrite, the im- 
penitent and the wayward, who is under the con- 
viction that the Bible is God's Word, occupies a 
position more fearful than the heathen. 

3. The gospel is a savor of life unto life, or 
of death unto death. What responsibility is on 
him who brings it. and danger on him who re- 
ceives it. 



XC. 

''For she is a sinner." — Luke 7:39. 

THEME. — The fact that one is a sinner, cements 
ul to Christ. Let us view this fact from 
Main's standpoint. 

I. She was a sinner, yes, and therefore Christ 

was just the being she needed. 

II. She was a sinner, yes, and therefore she was 

an object of Christ's mission. 

III. She was a sinner, yes, and therefore a peni- 
tent return to Christ her appropriate oc- 
cupation. 

IV. She was a sinner, yes, and therefore deeply 

indebted to pardoning mercy and recover- 
ing grace. 

REMARKS. 

1. The chief danger of sin is not its magni- 



110 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

tude, but blindness to its enormity and pertinacity 
in it. 

2. Phariseeism, and worldly refined Chris- 
tianity may have dry eyes, but real piety has both 
the heart and the cause to weep. 

3. It is not the beneficial returns that are 
made to Christ that alone please Him, but the 
spontaneous gushings of a grateful heart. 

4. The sovereign grace of God lays sin itself 
under contribution to His glory. Grace is magni- 
fied by sin's enormity. 



XC1. 

"And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, 
shall be thrust down to hell." — Luke x:15. 

THEME. — Gospel privileges abused enhance the 
sinner's doom. 

I. Gospel privileges are costly ;hence their abuse 

enhances guilt. 

II. Gospel privileges involve the moral excellen- 

cies of God. Their abuse is malignity 
against Him. 

III. Evil exercises harden the heart. To reject 
these privileges, is an evil exercise which 
increases inherent guilt. 

IV. Gospel privileges are the sinner's only 

remedy. They present Christ the Saviour. 
Their rejection is despite to the Spirit of 
graca 



TWO BUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. Ill 

REMARKS. 

1. Indifference is not independence; results 

of a profjered gospel rejected are of fearful magni- 
tude. 

2. Oh. how solemn, how fearful, our mission 
of mercy to dying men! Paul might well say 
"Who is sufficient for these things?" 

3. Special visitations of Christ involve speci- 
al responsibility. Bliss inexpressible or woe un- 
utterable will result from the present visitation 
of God. 



XCII. 

"But one thing- is needful:and Mary hath chosen that 
good part, which shall not be taken away from her." — 
Luke x: 42. 

THEME. — -471 experimental knowledge of God, or 
aequo ist, is the supreme and only in- 

le portion of man. 

I. It alone meets the inherent necessities of the 

soul now or hereafter; as the body has in- 
herent necessities, so has the soul. 

II. Its possession improves the soul; the more a 

man has of it the better he is. 

III. It is held by a safe tenure; it shall not be 
taken away; other portions are transitory, 
etc. 

REMARKS. 

1. This possession is a matter of choice; none 



112 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

have it who do not choose it, and none who choose 
it are deprived of it. 

2. Any neglect of this treasure grieves 
Christ. Duties of hospitality or worldly prudence 
will not justify such neglect. 

3. Sinner, whatever else you may possess, 
without this you are poor indeed. Many things 
are convenient, but one thing is needful. Oh, se- 
cure that one thing. It is found at the feet of 
Jesus, where Mary chose to sit. 



XCIII. 

u But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no 
doubt the kingdon of God is come upon you." — Luke 
xi: 20. 

THEME. — An authoritative credential of Christ- 
ianity is found in its anti-satanic influence. 

I. Its anti-satanic character is obvious to all; its 

doctrines, its occupations, and its precepts. 

II. Its unfailing provocation of satanic hostility. 

When have the satanic influences of any age 
ever failed to oppose and. hate it? 

III. Its anti-satanic .power. Every conversion 
is an almighty anti-satanic victory. The 
strong man is spoiled; the keeper of his 
palace, dispossessed. 

IV. Its anti-satanic fruits, love, peace, joy and 

moral elevation. It is moral sunlight chas- 
ing satanic darkness from the. human mind. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 113 

REMARKS. 

1. Apostasies and defections are no objec- 
tions to Christianity. The beginning and com- 
pletion of both proclaim the heavenly nature of 
Christianity, by turning from it, to sin. 

2. There is no neutral ground between 
Christ and Satan. Every man has his side, for, or 
against. 

3. To charge the Spirit's work to satanic 
agency, is blasphemy of a most fearful character. 
It is lying to God, and of God, and to man's de- 
struction. 

4. The kingdom of God comes to conquer 
Satan, and win the sinner, or to conquer Satan 
and the sinner — you must be won, or conquered. 



XCIV. 

■•There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when 
ye shall see Abraham, and Tsaac. and Jacob, and all the 
prophets, in the kingdom of God. and you yourselves 
thrust out." — Luke xiii: 28. 

THEME. — When all the redeemed shall be gather- 
ed into the Kingdom of CI wist, andiue left oat, it icill 
be <irrod ful 

I. A recognition of what will indicate to us what 

we have lost. 

II. The fact that others are there indicates that 

we might have been: our own folly will 
] ierce us. 

H 



114 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

III. We shall feel then that the Hand so full of 
riches, and so omnipotent to bless these, is 
forever arrayed against us. 

REMARKS. 

1. How precious the privilege of the present 
hour, in which this dire calamity may be avoided. 

2. God may well say, woe unto them that 
laugh now. The laughter of the scorner will end 
in bitter weeping. Better to weep now. 

3. The exposed condition of our friends 
should make us weep. The living, enlightened 
Christian will ever be the earnest Christian. 



xcv. 

"And when he came to himself, he said, How many 
hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to 
spare, and I perish with hunger!" — Luke xv: 17. 

THEME. — Apostasy from God is moral insanity, 
a disease of most malignant and fatal poiver. 

I. The disease! Moral insanity. 

1. The judgment controlled, and deceived by 
a wicked heart. 

2. The energies of the mind suborned, and 
energized by the tires of passion. 

II. The malignant power of the disease. 

1. "When the heart, and judgment, and pas- 
sions are enlisted in the apostasy, what is then 
left to begin the healing? 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 115 

2. It is the very nature of the disease to re- 
gard sanity as madness, and healing agencies as 
obtrusive and hateful. 

3. The efficient, and only efficient remedy,is 
indicative of its magliguant power. The spirit. 
Extremity. Flood. 

REMARKS. 

1. The unhealed are excuseless, and their 
doom self-inflicted. 

2. The healed are humble, confiding, and 
grateful. 

3. The healed are welcomed and crowned. 
But oh, themselves, God-plucked, God- wrought, 
shall be stars in the crown of the Healer, in that 
day when He makes up His jewels. 



XCVI. 

"It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: 
for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again: and 
was lost, and is fouad." — Luke 15:32. 

THEME. — The perilous controversy oetween the 
sinner and God is all his own, and perpetuated only 
by himself. 

I. It originates with him. The prodigal son was 

not sent away. He chose independence of 
his father. 

II. Even in his apostasy God withdraws not the 

supplies of his bounty. He divided to him. 
Vs. 12. 



116 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

III. God delights in his return. When he was a 
great way off his father saw him, and ran 
and kissed him. 

IV. God has provided for his reinstatement in 

His family. The calf, the robe, the orna- 
ments, the home, were all awaiting his re- 
turn. 

REMARKS. 

1. All that sympathize with God will rejoice 
in the conversion of a sinner. There is joy in 
heaven. 

2. The judgments of God have their use; of- 
ten nothing but dire necessity will cure moral in- 
sanity. 

3. When the worldly wise think men lose 
their senses, then it is that they have just regain- 
ed them. When he came to himself. The sinner 
is mad. 



XCVII. 

"And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was 
carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich 
man also died, and was buried." — Luke 16: 22. 

THEME. — The moral worth of the pious, however 
veiled, obscured, and misjudged in this world, is duly 
appreciated and honored in the heavenly world. 

I. This is indicated by God's providential dis- 
criminations in this life: 

1. His rod discriminates. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 117 

2. His consolations discriminate. 

3. His Word discriminates. 

II. This is indicated by the discriminations at 
death: 

1. At death the prosperous sinner is left 
companionless. The afflicted pious is embraced 
by the heavenly. 

2. The sinner is left homeless. At the end 
of a weary pilgrimage the Christian finds a home 
in the family of God. 

3. At death the prosperous sinner is dispos- 
sessed of his purloined treasure. The afflicted 
and pious comes from exile to his heirship, his in- 
heritance. 

REMARKS. 

1. How important it is to ascertain what God 
thinks of us. The estimate of the heavenly world 
will stand. 

2. Christians can well afford to be patient 
under trials. The fruits and terminations of all 
things will make ample amends, 

3. Hell will cure the folly, if it does not rem- 
edy the evil of sin's reigning power. The lost 
would warn his living brethren. 



XCVII1. 

"I tell you, this man went down to his house justified 
rather than the other." — Luke 18: 14. 

THEME. — Th>' man tl,<it pleads for u<> rcy U 



118 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

I. He honors the law, by confessing his guilt, by 

admitting the justice of its claims upon him. 

II. He honors the death of Christ, by pleading 

its avails. He appropriates the rich pro- 
visions of God. 

III. He honors holiness, by confessing the bur- 
den of his sins. The heart that loves sin 
seeks not to escape from it. 

REMARKS. 

1. What a beautiful paradox is a repenting 
sinner; none worse, none better. Afraid of God, 
yet coming to him in earnest. The subject of di- 
vine favor, yet ready to die with self-condemna- 
tion. 

2. Self -righteousness is a dreadful foe to 
grace. It is thankless for what it has, but thank- 
ful for what it has not. It affects to despise sin. 
yet cherishes it and glories in it. It spurns the 
strait gate and the narrow way, and flies off on a 
short cut to heaven, but lands in hell. 



XCIX. 

u He beheld the city, and wept over it." — Luke 19: 41. 

THEME.— The compassion of Christ is universal, 
perpetual and infinite. 

I, This is seen in the social compassion of His 
life on earth, His birth and association with 
the lowly. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 119 

II. This is seen in His mission of redeeming 

mercy involving, as it did, infinite suffer- 
ing. 

III. This is seen in His redemptive arrange- 
ments, involving al] the operations of grace 
in heaven and earth. 

IV. This is seen in His unabated sympathy for 

the incorrigible. In the strange work of 
His judicial vengeance, He takes leave of the 
doomed in tears. 

REMARKS. 

1. No wonder Christ is worshiped in heaven. 
The possession and exercise of infinite power in 
such hands, may well bind all hearts to his throne. 

2. Here is the hope and help of the lost, not 
merely in what Christ has done, or what opportu- 
nities are his, but Christ in person and compas- 
sionate power. 

3. The subject affords practical instruction 
to those who agree with God, in the justice of their 
condemnation, and earnestly desire help. It com- 
mends them to Christ as a ready and efficient 
helper. 

4. Oh, the startling efficiency of the sinner's 
madness on reaching his doom, despite such com- 
passion ! He forces upon it the dreadful alterna- 
tive of either abandoning the sinner to his woe, or 
the universe to destruction. 



120 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 



; 'lf thou hadst known, even thou, in this thy day, the 
things which belong unto thy peace; but now they are hid 
from thine eyes. " — Luke 19: 42. 

THEME. — Sinners are in danger of passing the 
bounds of their probation. 

I. The limits of their day are to them unknown; 

how near, how remote, they have no means 
of ascertaining. 

II. They often deceive themselves with a false 

interpretation of present mercies into an 
occasion of presumption. 

III. The occupations of earth, its engrossing 
themes of interests, its pleasures or its 
cares beguile them past the hour. 

IV. As they approach the limit of their day, their 

insensibility iu creases. 

REMARKS. 

1. Our interests at stake are too vast to be 
thus hazarded; the results too fearful to be lightly 
incurred. 

2. Christians should share largely in the 
compassionate solicitude of Christ for the condi- 
tion of lost men, 

3. If there be cruelty in the damnation of the 
lost, that cruelty is in the sinner himself. The 
tears of the Son of God will vindicate heaven 
from his doom. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 121 

CI. 

"In your patience possess ye your souls." — Luke 21: 



19. 



THEME. — Evangelical patience is indispensable 
to a - lurance of the Christ inn conflict. 

I. We need it in our home conflicts with sin in 

our members. 

II. We need it in our conflicts with sin in the 

church; domestic troubles are hard to be 
borne. 

III. We need it to endure the contradiction of 

sinners against ourselves; against God. 

IV. We need it, after we have done the will of 
God. to wait for Him — for the redemption 
pf all His promises. 

REMARKS. 

1. The patieoce of the saints is the glory of 
Christ, a token of the righteousness of His venge- 
ance upon their adversaries. 

2. The patience of the saints is known only 
to the converted, distinguished from indifference 
or fortitude, first attained, then cherished. 

3. The vexations of the sinner will surpass 
thosB of saint. They may be mocked for a time, 
but they will triumph and crash him at last. Sin- 
ner, no" to angels, but to you, the patience of the 
saints presents an inviting aspect. 



122 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

CII. 

"When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." 
—Luke 22: 32. 

THEME. — We need special preparation in our 
own hearts, andfaitn, to be beneficial to others. 

I. A proper adjustment of our own delinquencies 

with God. 

II. A personal enlargement so as to grasp the 

gospel, the plan of redemption, ourselves. 

III. A sympathy with Christ in His concern for 
the lost. To grasp salvation understand- 
ingly is to know the worth of it. 

IV. Boldness of faith, which cares for men, but 

disregards their hatred or malice. 

REMARKS. 

1. Let us begin with ourselves, seek to be 
converted anew. 

2. Nothing efficient can be done for our- 
selves or others, till the Spirit of God descends 
upon us. Let us seek His bestowment. 

3. When judgment begins at the house of 
God, it will not end there; this is the channel 
through which God reaches others. 



CHI. 

"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin 
of the world."— John 1: 29. 

THEME. — Christ takes away, removes forever, 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 123 

wn of the world from every believer's heart. 

I. He removes it by the atoning power of His 

death, and by the living power of His right- 
eousness. He died to absolve — He lives to 
plead. 

II. He takes it away by the renewing and regen- 

erating power of the Holy Spirit. 

III. He takes it away by the sanctifying power of 
His truth. 

REMARKS. 

1. The business of Christians is like that of 
John, to point men to Christ and say, "Behold 
the Lamb, etc." 

2. Let Christians be earnest in their work, 
and be seen to commend no other remedy for lost 
men than the atoning blood, and quickening spir- 
it of the Lamb of God, and let sinners see to it, 
that they trust in none but this atoning Lamb for 
the removal of sin from their hearts. 



CIV. 

"Verily, verily. I say unto thee, except a man be born 
again, he can not see the kingdom of God." — John 3: 3. 

THEME. — In order to participate in the king- 
dom of Christ , a radical change must be wrought in 
the man himself by omnipotent power. 

I. Without it he can neither understand, nor 
serve in the kingdom. In it, heart service 
alone is acceptable. 



124 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

II. Without it, he has no rights in the kingdom. 

His heirship is by birth, purchase and 
adoption. This is his vital passage from 
the revolted world into the kingdom. 

III. Without it, the kingdom of Christ would be 
neither home nor privilege for him. There 
is nothing in all the joys of the redeemed 
that would not give pain to the unchanged 
man. 

REMARKS. 

1. This subject deals a leveling blow to all 
the distinctions of earth. The children of Abra- 
ham and the children of Voltaire, the children of 
a king and of a beggar, stand on a level. 

2. Would men look for the barrier between 
them and heaven, they will find it in their own 
hearts. The only obstacle in the way is this ; all 
others are provided for; this must yield to the 
Holy Ghost alone. 

3. Worldly organizations may increase by 
other means; the birth of flesh may augment them, 
and change of purpose may increase them, but at 
the door of the church of God stands the Son of 
God saying, "Ye nrust be born again." 



CV. 

"So is every one that is born of the Spirit."— John 
3:8. 

THEME. — That change which is indispensable 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES,;] 125 

fa man to his salvation is wrought by the spirit of 
God. 

I. The reasons for this work are with God alone. 

II. The operation of the power is unseen. 

III. The effects are visible — the work done is 
seen. 

1. The heart is reproved of sin, convicted. 
This is the office work of the spirit. 

2. The enmity of the heart is slain. The 
love of God conquers — "God loves me, then I will 
love Him. " 

3. The energies of a new life are exhibited. 

REMARKS. 

1. In the accomplishment of this work, the 
spirit assigns Christians a part. 

2. Here then, sinner, is your help. The Spir- 
it of God. When that Spirit retires from you.your 
case is hopeless — successful resistance is death. 



CVI. 

"The world cannot hate you: but me it hateth, be- 
cause I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil." — 
John 7. 7. 

THEME. — The reproving clwroxter <>f tlu> gospel 
is gure to arouse the world's enmity. 

I. It reproves by the power of contrast. 

II. It reproves by exalting God, and His holy 

law. The substitution of Christ magnifies 
both the law, and the transgression. 



126 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

III. It reproves by its offers of mercy. Pardon 
supposes guilt. 

IV. The measure of earnestness in affectionate 

entreaty is the measure of reproof. 

REMARKS. 

1. Let Christians be sure, it is not their fault, 
but a pure gospel, that gives offense. The re- 
sponsibility is not with them. 

2. Let Christians look for their sympathy 
and hell?, not to the world, but to Christ. Please 
Him and let the approval of the world go. 



CVII. 

"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall 
make you free." — John 8: 32. 

THEME: — The renewed heart finds and obtains 
its freedom in the knoivledge of the truth. 

I. Truth, known, frees the pious heart from 

practical controversy with God. 

II. Truth ; known, enables the pious heart to de- 

tect and free itself from its own wrongs. 

III. It enables the pious heart to detect, and free 
itself from the sins of others. 

IV. Truth, known,, frees the pious heart from 

the great want of unsupplied immortality, 
idleness, starvation and dread. 

REMARKS. 

1. The Bible, so precious to the good, and 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 123 

too authoritative to be rejected, is shunned or per- 
verted, because it fetters the passions, and 
abridges the freedom to sin. 

2. The roason is obvious why exemption 
from the inspection, the reproofs, and the claims 
of the gospel is claimed. Ail such demands indi- 
cate both the knowledge, and the love of wrong- 
doing. 

3. Truth will^ultimately free every man, or 
bind him in eternal chains. 



CVIII. 

'•Why do ye not understand my speech? Even be- 
cause ye can not hear my word ?" — John 8: 43. 

THEME. — The teachings of Christ are offensive 
to carnal men. 

I. He reveals God. Men are unwilling to come 

in contact with God, whom they have in- 
jured. 

II. He reveals man. A self-introduction is hu- 

miliating and painful. 

III. He preaches salvation by grace. It offends 
pride and lust, and awakens hostility. 

IV. He reveals the judgment. It awakens their 

fears, and disturbs their peace. 

REMARKS. 

1. Offensive as are the teachings of Christ, 
they are alone useful. All deception must end. 

2. Christ's teachings are God's appointed in- 



328 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

strument of a world's salvation; foolish to men, 
but the power of God unto salvation. 

3. Sinners must expect unwelcome truths 
if they would be blessed. Thankless repulses on 
the part of Christians, in their attempts to save 
men, should not discourage them. 



CIX. 

' 'And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall nev- 
er die."— John 11:26. 

THEME.— The Christian, the child of God, will 
never die. 

I. He is quickened from the incipient stages of 

death, with which all are smitten. 

II. He is delivered from the legal decree of death 

which dooms the race. 

III. He is delivered from a state of negative 
death into positive life, by his. departing 
from this world. 

IV. He is delivered from the judicial and execu- 

tive infliction of death at the judgment, and 
installed in life. 

•REMARKS. 

1. From this standpoint, the aspect of death 
is greatly modified, it is spoiled of its terror. 

2. Personal religion is eternal life begun and 
secured. Fellowship with God is incipient life, 
and faith anticipates the completion. 

3. Christianity, and it .alone, is death's anti- 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 120 

dote. To all but the believer, it iuvolves the liv- 
ing wrath of the living God. 



CX. 

''Behold the man." — John 19:5. 

THEME. — Christ, in his humiliation, is worthy 
rpetual and universal observation. 

I. As an exhibition of the patience and meek- 

ness, which are the chief ornaments of the 
Christian character. 

II. As an exhibition of human depravity. Oh, 

what ingratitude, what insensibility to their 
own good, what malignity ! 

III. As an exhibition of God's love for a lost 
world. It must have been self-moved and 
infinite. How vile the recipient, how rich 
the gift ! 

IV. As an exhibition of the living fidelity of 

Christ, the Mediator. No after act of His 
love or fidelity can surpass this which finds 
Him prepared and ready. 

REMARKS. 

1. The subject presents an antidote for all 
the sorrows of Christians. Is thy heart oppi essed 
with sorrow of any kind ? Behold the man ! 

Would Christians bless men, let their per- 
petual cry be: Behold the man ! If men are b 
ed, they must be brought to this remedy. 



130 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

3. If sinners refuse to behold Christ in His 
humiliation, they must behold Him when Ho 
comes in His glory. If they will not bahold the 
Savior, they must behold the Judge; must see 
Him in His exaltation and power, to their everlast- 
ing dismay. 



CXI. 

"Verily, verily, T. say unto you, except a corn of 
wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but 
if it die it bringeth forth much fruit." — John 12: 24. 

THEME.— The death of Christ is the pledge and 
means of the salvation of men, and the ultimate tri- 
umph of His kingdom; or-, in other words, Christ dy- 
ing to conquer. 

I. In illustrating this, I remark, the death of 

Christ completed His title to His mediatori- 
al reign. Back in the councils of eternity. 
Covenant. 

II. The death of Christ was the very gate, or 

portal, through which He had to pass from 
His sufferings to His throne. Death lay. be- 
tween Him and His throne of glory, and if 
He would reach that, He must die. No oth- 
er path to glory. 

III. The death of Christ is the meritorious 
ground and price of salvation to men. The 
multitude were lying under penalty of 
death, of a broken law. To deliver them he 
must die. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. i31 

REMARKS. 

1. Paul might well say: "God forbid, " etc. 
The germ of heaven was in that death, and he 
might well glory in it. 

_. Every Christian should not only glory in 
the cross, but he should not shrink from following 
Him who hung on it, to the cross if He require it, 
or to the grave, as we know He has appointed it. 
It is thus only that we can follow Him to His 
throne. Let not Christians complain that they 
have the sentence of death in themselves. 

3. There is a great and practical principle 
folded up in this text, tne necessity of dying to 
self and the world, in order to inherit eternal life. 
Same truth in following verse: "He that loveth 
his life shall lose it." Like Christ, we must die to 
conquer, — to self and the world. 

Unconverted hearer, I point you to a conquer- 
ing Savior; one whose death entitles Him to be a 
Mediator, and which furnishes a meritorious 
ground of salvation for you. You need His help 
as Mediator to pay your debts to divine justice 
and reconcile you to God. 



CXII. 

"If any man serve me, let him follow me: and where 
I am, there shall al*o my servant be." — John 12: 2<5. 

I. What is involved in the service of Christ: 

1. The negation of self. Whatever the act, 

if self enters as a motive, it is not service. 

-. It involves the recognition of, and abso- 



132 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

lute subjection to, the authority of Christ. 

3. The work must be in reality the privilege 
of love; from the force of love. 

II. The certainty of such sharing the home of 
Christ: 

1. His present occupation insures it: "I go 
to prepare a place. " 

2. His pledged veracity insures it: "I will 
come again." 

3. His asserted claim to the Father insures 
it: "Father^ I will that those thou hast given me 
be with me." 

REMARKS. 

1. The service of Christ is an honorable oc- 
cupation, recognized of God and crowned. 

2. The character and province of good works 
are denned and contradistinguished from will- 
wcrship, and self-righteousness, in this discourse 
of Christ. 

3. The service of Christ is more than" a pri- 
vilege, it is a duty. All who serve Him not are 
rebels against God, and must be treated as such. 
Their fare, their home, must be with the master 
they serve. 

CXIII. 

"If any man serve rne, him will my Father honor." — 
John 12: 26. 

THEME. — If we please God, we must serve Christ 

I. Because He has served us. His service of us, 



TWO BUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 133 

was gratuitous, costly, and of infinite bene- 
fit. 

II. His right to command renders His service 

imperative. To serve Christ is to serve 
God. 

III. To serve Christ is to serve men, is to sym- 
pathize with Him in His benevolent work 
of salvation. 

REMARKS. 

1. The service itself is joyful. In keeping 
His commands there is great reward. The obedi- 
ent eat the good of the land. 

2. Christ will be to His servants no mean 
prince. He will measure their reward by His own 
fulness and merits. 

3. This service, with its honors, is free to 
all. If any man serve me, him will my Father 
honor: men may despise, but God will honor. 
Other services may be preferred, this only will 
be honored; other masters may flatter and seduce, 
this only will bring honor, because this only is 
honorable. 



CXIV. 

''And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all 
men unto me." — John 12: 32. 

THEME. — The universal prevalence of the gospel 
and reign of Christ ; s pledged in His death. 

I. Hit death completed His title to His mediator- 



134 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES, 

ial and universal empire. Isa, 53: 10. 

II. His death was the portal through which He 

passed from suffering to glory. Luke 24:26. 

III. His death released His chosen, and confirm- 

ed the doom of His incorrigible enemies. 

IV. His death is the Spirit's argument in His 

work of resistless conquest. John 16: 9. 

REMARKS. 

1. Paul might well glory in the death of his 
Lord. He is not alone. It is the Christian's weap- 
on in all his conflicts. It is his hope and his song 
in all his pilgrimage, and his crowning glory in 
heaven. 

2. Let not saints complain that they have the 
sentence of death in themselves. The path of 
their Lord is good enough for the disciples. His 
led through death to glory; we can afford to follow 
Him. 

3. The reign of sin, the reign of death, shall 
not always last. The first is removed by the 
death, and the second by the resurrection of the 
Son of God. The race is destined to be conquer- 
ed by His gospel, or His power. 



cxv. 

"I go to prepare a place for you." — John 14:2. 

THEME. — Tfie sorroivs of the Christian's life and 
of his death have an antidote in the attractions of his 
future home. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 135 

I. Its preparation and attainment are secure. 

II. It is the Father's home — a filial home. 

III. The good will be there — it is a holy place. 

IV. Christ will be there, with His love and full- 

ness. 

REMARKS. 

1. In order to avail ourselves of such an an- 
tidote, we should cherish the anticipations cf that 
home. The light of it should cheer our pilgrim- 
age. 

2. The toils of the pilgrim assumed, and the 
home of the pilgrim anticipated, will give us the 
character of pilgrims as it did the ancients. 

3. What a change of mansion? death will ef- 
fect, both with saints and sinners. Ob, there is a 
palace for the poor, even for the houseless, anl a 
prison for the prince. Each will go to his own 
place 

•"Yes there's a home for weary souls, 
A rest for pilgrims found; 
A home where God the Father dwells, 
Where peace and joy abound. 

There is a home where Jesus reigns, 

God's own annointed Son, 
Where angel harps and seraph strains 
Make all His glories known. 

A pilgrim once, our griefs He knew, 
His footsteps mark our road, 



136 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

And there for us, He led the way, 
Up to that home with God. 

There will He bring His weary ones, 
And they shall sigh no more, 

Pilgrims, at home they rest and sing 
The Savior's love and power. 

Then shall my sorrows fiad an end, 
And all my sighs shall cease, 

Patient, I'll wait my journey's end; 
To share the promised bliss. " 



CXVI. 

"I will come again, and receive you unto myself." — 
John xiv: 3. 

THEME. — Death is the most happy event that 
can overtake a disciple of CJwist, fall upon him when 
it may. 

I. Its approach puts the words of the dying 

Saviour on their lips, "It is finished." It 
ends life, conflicts, and trials. 

II. It realizes to them life's great end. 

1. Personal recovery from sin. Baxter, 
when asked just before dying "How are you now, " 
said, "Almost well. " 

2. The companionship of the good, and holy, 
who have gone before. 

3. The occupations and surroundings of the 
blest. 



TWO BUJNDRED SERMON OUTLINES, LSI 

4. The presence of Christ Himself. 

REMARKS. 

1. Let us always remember that to the 
Christian the bitterness of death's approach is not 
merely mitigated, but changed into grateful com- 
fort by the bringings of His approach. 

2. Death has its pangs. and its terrors, but 
oh it brings glorious things to the believer, an 
end of life's conflicts, and the beginningof heaven's 
bliss, and so must be the most happy event that 
can overtake a child of God. 



CXVII. 

"If ye loved me. ye would rejoice, because I said, I go 
unto the Father." — John xiv: 28. 

THEME. — The ascension of Christ, though an oc- 
n of momentary grief to the disciples, is an oc- 
casion of joy to the saints in every age. 

I. Thereby their Lord has passed from suffer- 

ing to glory. 

II. Though personally absent, yet is He present 

for greater efficiency. 

III. Exalted to His throne, He will carry for- 
ward the work in which they are engaged, 
not with the feebleness of the straitened 
servant, but with the power of the reign- 
ing God. 

IV. As their forerunner, He has taken posses- 

sion of their inheritance, and is henceforth, 



138 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

until He comes, to be engaged in prepar- 
ing mansions for them, when He will re- 
turn to bring them home. 

REMARKS. 

1. Limited conceptions of Christ, limit the 
love of Christ. To know Him better, is to love 
Him better. 

2. Though Christ is unseen, He should not 
be unloved. Faith may still realize Him as ours. 

3. When God removes the comforts of His 
people, it is to give them greater comforts. The 
developments of His providence will more than 
hush every murmur. 

4. Though sinners are released from the re- 
straints of a present Christ, they are not released 
from His observation. 



CXVIII. 

"For without me ye can do nothing-. " — John xv: 5 

THEME. — Christians are efficient in the service 
of Christ only ivith His efficient aid. 

I. They depend on Him for the vital energy of 

their own personal piety, access to God's 
fullness. 

II. They depend on Him for all the instruments 

of success in their work. 

III. They depend on Him for the entire efficiency 
of all they do, in carrying forward their 
work. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 139 

REMARKS. 

1. Every attempt in the gospel enterprise to 
go or do aloue, and without Christ, has its origin 
in pride, and its end in defeat. 

2. How careful should we be to secure the 
presence and aid of Christ. Let us be careful to 
do His work, for His sake, and in His spirit. 

3. Oh, what a privilege to work for such a 
friend, with such a helper, and to such an end. 

4. Sinners reverse all this: thev serve a 
hard master, they invoke terrible aid, and reap a 
dreadful reward. 



CXIX. 

"If ve abide in me. and my words abide in you, ye 
shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." — 
John xv: 7. 

THEME. — Vital and active anion urith Christ is 
indispensable to successful prayer. 

I. Without such a union, the prayer itself would 

be offensive. 

II. If not thus in Christ, success would be in- 

jurious; sinister desires strengthened. 

III. Christ only has claims on the prayer answer- 
ing power; out of Him is no claim. 

IV. Thus in Christ, we are in the current of 

purposed blessings. 



140 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

REMARKS. 

1. Favorabte returns to prayer will corre- 
spond more with the quality, than the quantity of 
prayer. 

2. The history of eminent piety and success- 
ful prayer shows them inseparable. Moses, Dan- 
iel, Elijah. 

3. The success of Christians will correspond 
to their consistent prayer. 

4. No prayer is no better than bad.prayer. 



cxx. 

"For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have 
loved me. " — John xvi: 27. 

THEME. — The paternal favor of the Father is 
vouchsafed to those ivho love his son, Jesus Christ. 

I. Because such and only such love the Father. 

He sees Himself beloved in the Son. 

II. Such and only such as love the Son are joint 

heirs with the Son to his Father's favor. 

III. For such the Son intercedes. Divine cour- 
tesy to His Son is by the Son transferred 
to them. 

REMARKS. 

1. By the same law attachment to the Son 
secures paternal favor or love from all others who 
love Him. 

2. By the same law of attraction and re- 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES 141 

pulsion will our love to Christ measure the aver- 
sion of the world to us. The world will only love 
its own. 

3. No acts expressive of our love to Christ 
can be wisely omitted. Fidelity to Christ is the 
greatest evidence of our love to the brethren. 

4. Prayer is availing: the name of Christ is 
all-prevalent. 



CXXI. 

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye 
might have peace.'' — John xvi: 33. 

THEME. — The disciples of Christ have a source 
of perpetual peace in the things He has taught. 

I. Sin is a disturber of man's peace. Its cure 

is in the gospel. Sense of unworthiness 
and shortcomings. 

II. God's administrative justice is a disturber of 

man's peace. Its antidote is in the gospel. 

III. The world's malice is a foe to human peace. 

Its conquest is in the gospel. 

IV. Sickness, pain and impending death are 

disturbers oi man's peace. Its antidote is 
in the gospel. Home and provision for the 
future. 

REMAUKS. 

1. How important that Christians under- 
stand and are able, under all circumstance 
appropriate the teachings of Christ to their use. 



142 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

2. The fearful and unhappy. Christian is the 
ignorant 0* the unbelieving Christian. Remedies, 
however sovereign, if unappropriated. are useless. 

3. There is no peace to the wicked, the un- 
believing. The exposure, the annoyance of the 
Christian are all his. But he has not his security, 
his shelter, his antidote. He has none. 



CXXII. 

"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee 
the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast 
sent." — John xvii: 3. 

THEME. — God recognized, is indispensable to the 
life of the soul, yea, it is its life. 

I. Such recognition of God is indispensable to 

the life of the soul, because without it, all 
the developments of science are but start- 
ling, inexplicable mysteries. 

II. Without it, the soul is released from the at- 

tractions of God, and subjected to the 
partial, downward, and serious attractions 
of earth. 

III. Without it, the perceptive powers of the 
soul bring no bridle, but fearful and 
ruinous stimulatives to human passions. 

IV. Without it, the waking, spiritual existence 

of the soul will be a living death; no longer 
deceived by the dreams of earth, with no 
law of equity to its fellow, of benevolence 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 143 

to its inferior, and especially of recipient 
worship to its superior, it cannot know 
life. 

REMARKS. 

1. That morality that ignores God is de- 
fective, and loveless selfishness will ignore its au- 
thority, at its pleasure. 

2. The literature of a nation is only a bless- 
ing as it recognizes God. There are fearful in- 
dications on this question. Let Christians be on 
their guard in their politics, and not ignore God. 

3. The subject magnifies the gospel mission. 
Christ the way to God, the truthful exponent of 
God, and the relative fulness of God, must be 
given to ihe world, or it i? without life. 



CXXIII. 

••Because they are not of the world, even as I am not 
of the world." — John xvii: 14. 

THEME. — Christians are separated from the 
world as ( Itrist w 

I. Christ was separated from the world in His 

occupations aad motives. So Christians. 

II. Christ was not of the world in His chosen 

companionship. So Christians. 

III. Christ was not of the world in its revolt 
from God. So Christians. 

IV. Christ was not of the world in the origin of 



1*4 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

His moral state and character. So Christ- 
ian&. 

REMARKS. 

1. Christians must expect to share with 
Christ in the world's dislike and hatred. 

2. Though not of, they are in, the world for 
like purposes with Christ, that they may benefit 
the world. 

3. Hence they will share with Christ an un- 
worldly portion. 



CXXIV. 

"Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given 
me, be with me where I am." — John xvii: 24. 

THEME. — The riches and security of believer's 
prospect is found in the will of Christ concerning 
them. 

I. His right to will given Him. Bought from the 

Master by Him. 

II. His power to exercise his will. (1) Of right. 

(2) Over their foes and obstructions. 

III. The matter of His will. (1) Their ultimate 
presence. (2) A participation in His original 
glory, 

REMARKS. 

1. Christ is, and should be, all in all to 
Christians. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 145 

2. We should will to be with Him in his toil 
and suffering in return for His will, giving us a 
shaje in His glory. 

3. "With good will we should seek, and live 
to win souls to Him. 



cxxv. 

'•My kingdom is not of this world." — John xviii: 36. 

THEME. — The kingdom of Christ is spiiitual and 
limited to subdued hearts. 

I. Christ has a kingdom, foretold, preached, 

established. 

II. Is limited to subdued hearts: 

1. None but the new born can see or enter 
it. John 3: 7. 

2. The force of execution appealed to is love. 
"If ye love me,keep my commandments." 

3. The expurgation of all others is provided 
for in the laws of the kingdom. 

4. All others who enter will be regarded and 
treated as intruders at last. 

REMARKS. 

1. All churches who do not make the new 
birth indispensable to membership, or to ingress 
to membership, do constitutionally ignore the 
kingdom of Christ. 



146 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

2. The distinctive prescriptions of the gos- 
pel are appropriate only to those who are convert- 
ed to God. Their observance by others is hypo- 
crisy. 

3. The prosperity and increase of the king- 
dom of Christ can be looked for only in the 
quickening power of the Holy Ghost. To win 
hearts is our business. 



CXXVI. 

"Neither is there salvation in any other." — Acts iv: 12. 

THEME. — There is no other being in the universe 
can save us, but Jesus Christ. 

I. There is none that knows how to save us but 

Christ; He can lay his hands on both 
parties; knows the rights and necessities 
of both. 

II. Christ alone has the right to save us. In His 

relevant rights alone is salvation for us. 

III. Christ alone has power to save us. He 
alone has power to conquer us and our 
foes, and to give us the victory over sin and 
Satan. 

REMARKS. 

1. Sinner, Christ is your only help and hope; 
your appeal must be direct to Him; your trust in 
Him and Him alone. 

2. Other prescriptions, however specious, 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 147 

and all prescriptions which do not bring the soul 
directly to Christ, are fatally delusive. 

3. Such a remedy has been provided for no 
ordinary disease. The condition of the sinner is 
desperate indeed. 



CXXVII. 

•'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.'' — Acts vii: 59. 

THEME. — Christ is the Christian's God,iniohom 
>n<h-$his eternal interests. 

I. This is evident from the hour of Stephen's 

prayer. Death presses eternal interests 
on the soul. Men then call upon their 
God. 

II. From the character of Stephen. He was 

full of faith, and the Holy Ghost. He knew 
Christ. 

III. From the matter of his prayer. His eternal 
interest, his departing spirit, is committed, 
not to Abraham, not to angels, but to 
Christ. 

REMARKS. 

1. The Christ thatis not God, is not the Christ- 
ian's Christ, but the Christ of the deceived the de- 
luded, and is neither to be worshipped nor trusted. 

2. The Lord Jesus of the good man's life, is 
the Lord Jesus of the good man's death. The 
sinner subjected, the siuner cleansed, will be the 
hailed of Christ among the blessed. 



148 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

3. Men's bodies may claim their chief at- 
tention, while living, but in a dying hour the spirit 
only will command it. It will be for its use that 
the body will be raised. 

4. Did Stephen, that good man, full of the 
Holy Ghost, and power, need to pray, did he need 
the help of the Lord Jesus, how much more we? 
Sinner, you must die. 

In that lone hour when death comes nigh, 
When friendship's broadest care shall cease, 

Shall faith lif t up thy languid eye, 
To see thy Saviour throned in bliss? 

Oh, in that hour when thou must die, 

And give thy body to the tomb, 
Shall faith lift up the victor's cry, 

Lord Jesus take my spirit home? 

Oh,is the dying Christ thy God? 

Canst thou on Him thy spirit cast? 
My Jesus, with His cleansing blood, 

Is He thy hope, thy God at last? 

Hail dying, rising, reigning God, 
For Thee, oh let me live and die, 

And fix, oh fix my last abode, 
In Thy bright home beyond the sky. 



CXXVIII. 

"And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, 
Lord, lay'not this sin to their charge. "—Acts 7:60. 

THEME. — No matter of personal trial or interest 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINKS. 149 

which may beset or threaten the Christian, but should 
be lost sight of, in a concern for lost men. 

I. The genius, the soul, of Christianity is that of 

self-sacrifice for the good of others, as is 
seen in God, in Christ, and in the saints. 

II. There is one who effectually cares for Chris- 

tians. They may well care for others. 
Their own interests are provided for, they 
are released to care for others. 

III. The trials to which Christians are exposed 

are evanescent and limited, while those to 
which sinners are exposed are eternal. 

IV. The trials of Christians are glory seeds; 

while those to which sinners are exposed 
are seeds for a harvest of unending woe. 

REMARKS. 

1. Herein is the commanding power of relig- 
ion. Its transforming and ennobling power con- 
stitutes an almost resistless appeal to sin-de- 
graded man. Good works have a constraining 
power. 

2. Of such heaven and earth will expect 
more than of others. We must not cover up the 
life of Christians. The love of enemies is a God- 
given grace; the demand for its exercise is im- 
perative. 

3. If deep solicitude becomes the Christian 
for the unconverted, then is the indifference of the 
unconcerned amazing. 



150 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

CXXIX. 

"And there was great joy in that city."— Acts 8: 8. 

THEME. — Public happiness results from the suc- 
cess of the gospel. 

I. It removes the occasions of grief, by curing 

the vicious. 

II. It begets a fountain of living joy in the sub- 

jects. 

III. It spreads over the community new bonds 
of social union and joy. 

IV. It sets its subjects to doing good to others, 

and so promotes joy. 

V. It is grateful to the good in heaven and earth, 

and so promotes joy. 

REMARKS. 

1. The misguided and malevolent alone will 
oppose a revival. 

2. All the schemes of earth to make the 
world happy have proved a failure. Religion, re- 
vivals, the conversion of men to God, will alone 
do it. 

3. The joy of -the world is phosphorescent; it 
shines only in the dark. 



cxxx. 

"Lord, what wilt thou have me to do ?" — Acts 9: 6. 
THEME. — The certain and infallible fruit of re- 
storation to moral sanity, is subjection to the guidance 
of God. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 151 

I. A sane heart is just. It will yield submission 

to legitimate, and rightful authority. It 
will render to God the things that are God's. 
A sane heart will be just and honest in all 
its relations. 

II. A sane heart is holy. It will therefore seek 

a holy guide. God only is such a guide; so 
Paul felt and hence said, "Lord, what wilt 
thou have me to do ?" 

III. A sane heart is wise. We do not expect an 
insane man to exhibit wisdom, or promote 
his own real interests; not capable. But 
wisdom is expected of a sane man. So a 
heart fully restored to sanity will exhibit 
true wisdom — will pursue a course that 
will secure its own peace and happiness and 
interests. Devotion to the world will not 
promote one's highest happiness or best 
interests. 

REMARKS. 

1. The world's self-will is the world's mad- 
ness. Freedom from the control of the tyrant sin, 
is desirable, but freedom from the restraints of 
God and law, is madness and will lead to self de- 
struction. 

2. This inquiry of the sane heart should be 
renewed under every exigency. Paul doubtless 
asked many times, "Lord, what wilt thou have me 
to do?" 

3. Men around us are under a delusion; they 



152 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

are not in their right mind — blinded. Have com- 
passion for them, and endeavor to bring them to 
Jesus, the healer. It is just such a cure as was 
wrought for Paul, we want to see in our midst. 



CXXXI. 

"These that have turned the world upside down have 
come hither also." — Acts 17: 6. 

THEME. — It is a peculiar, ever present charac- 
teristic of sin, that it mokes men hostile to their own 
best good. 

I. This is indicated by the hostility of men to the 

law of God. 

II. This is indicated by the world's hostility 

to che friends of the law, prophets, apos- 
tles, Christ. 

III. This is indicated by the world's hostility to 
the life-giving elements of the gospel. 

IV. This is indicated by the hostility of men to 

the reigning kingship of Jesus Christ. 

REMARKS. 

1. That church which is a comfortable home 
for unconverted men is a conspiracy against God. 
"Of the rest durst no man join himself unto them. " 

2. Christians must rely upon the aggressive 
and conquering power of the gospel for its accept- 
ability to men, and for all its success. 

3. If Christians are in earnest in ^siring 
the succe ss of the gospel, they will patiently and 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 153 

perseveriugly incur and endure the concomitants 
of the conflict. The patriots of the Revolution 
proved their desire for the conquest of freedom 
by grappling with the conflict which secured it. 

4. Many sinners will triumph in this conflict 
at their own cost. They may drive the saving 
Jesus out of their coast, but when ETe returns, the 
Lion instead of the Lamb, they will quail before 
Him and fall. 



CXXXII. 

•'And hath made of one blood all nations of men for 
to dwell on all the face of the earth." — Acts 17: 26. 

THEME. — All men are essentially equal. 

I. The apparent discrepancies are adventitious 

and unessential, not inherent, evanescent. 

II. Wherein men's essential equality consists: 

1. All men are alike in their inherent respon- 
sibilities. Similar relations and attributes beget 
similar responsibilities. 

2. All men are alike in the essential attri- 
butes of their nature. 

3. All men are regardad alike in government- 
al provisions. One law, one redemption and one 
judgment provided alike for all. 

4. All men are alike in the essential necessi- 
ties of their being. Eternity will be equally long, 
heaven equally blessed, or hell alike dreadful to- 
all. 



154 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

REMARKS. 

1. Human pride is superficial and vain. The 
distinctions upon which it feeds will soon pass 
away. 

2. It is the divinely sanctioned prerogative 
of civil government to preserve man's essential 
equality inviolate; social tastes may be partial, but 
social justice and social benevolence must be im- 
partial. 

3. Man's essential equality has a beautiful 
counterpart in the impariial and universal adap- 
tation of the gospel, and a fearful contrast in the 
diverse results of human conduct. 



CXXXIII. 

"But now God comm andeth all men everywhere to 
repent; because He hath appointed a day in which He will 
judge the world. "—Acts 17: 30-31. 

THEME. — Tfte general judgment is a divine per- 
suasive to individual repentance. 

I. Because the decisions of that day will vindi- 

cate the claims of God's law upon all men, 
as confronted with each individual. 

II. Because the decisions of that day will vindi- 

cate God's word, in all its propositions, 
promises and threatenings. It is a fearful 
thing to fall into the hands of the living 
God, because of His fidelity to His own laws. 

III. Because the decisions of that day will vindi- 
cate Christ in all His claims for Himself and 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 155 

for the penitence of men. The penitent 
shall be welcomed and live. 

REMARKS. 

1. The danger of the impenitent is obvious 
and fearful. All the unparalleled results of the 
eternal judgment are poised upon the now of the 
text. God commands and He commands now,and 
only now. 

2. Of this great event, the judgment, God 
has given assurance to all men. Unbelief not only 
mocks God, but it mocks the intelligent powers of 
man, by the power of a bad heart. 

3. The Christian's spirit may well be stirred 
within him. Christians, the world around you is 
Athens ! Athenians without God are perishing 
around you. Be a Paul in the midst of this idola- 
try and worldliness. 

Let the motives to repentance, drawn from the 
last judgment, inspire you as they did him. 



CXXXIV. 

"Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space 
of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and 
day with tears."— Acts 20: 31. 

THEME. — The condition of men out of Christ is 
alarming. 

I. This is indicated by the tearful interest and 

earnestness of this great apostle to the 
Gentiles. 

II. This is indicated by the persevering energy 



156 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

of his efforts for their salvation. Three 
years. 

III. This is indicated by the solemn warnings 
which he constantly rang in their ears. 

REMARKS. 

1. How sublime, how beautiful is that char- 
acter in which grace has blended the unbending 
-fidelity, and the weeping tenderness of a Paul. 

2. The claims of no enterprise in life should 
for a moment be put upon a par with the claims 
of the gospel enterprise. Concern for souls should 
be a passion. The work should absorb us. 

3. Sinners should take warning; their condi- 
tion moves heaven and earth; it should move them. 
And let the saved watch. Treasures so costly as 
theirs should be guarded with sleepless care and 
fidelity. 



cxxxv. 

"And now why tarriest thou ? Arise and be baptiz- 
ed."— Acts 22: L6. 

THEME. — Practical obedience to Christ is de- 
manded as the legitimate, and indispensable accom- 
paniment of inward piety. 

I. Obedience is the moral atmosphere, by contact 

with which the inward fire of piety burns. 
It is the blaze. 

II. It was for this the hidden fires of piety 

were kindled; the resubjection of men to 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 151 

God, to His reign, was its end, nay the 
thing itself. 

III. Individual conversion will bless earth and 
honor heaven, only as it develops itself in 
personal obedience to Christ. 

IV. To this very end speaks the Lord in all His 

word. The line upon line, the precept upon 
precept is all to this end. 

REMARKS. 

1. Let it be remembered, as indicated in the 
text, obedience has stern order. The suspension 
of any one known duty blocks the entire wheels 
of obedience. 

2. The moral laws of God cannot dispense 
with the preceptive, nor can the preceptive sup- 
plant the moral in Christian duty. Religion now 
is old morality in a new kingdom. 

3. As mward piety cannot dispense with 
practiced obedience, so is it indispensable to it. 
The beginning of a reclaimed life is in a reclaimed 
heart. 



CXXXVI. 

"Go thy way for this time."— Acts 24: 25. 

THEME. — The guilt and danger of the souVs de- 
struction are involved in the deliberate postponement 
of the claims of God for the present time. 

I. Why for this time ? Nothing, except of less 



158 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

importance, can claim the occupancy of 
this hour. 

II. God's demands and encouragement are both 

limited to this hour, this time. 

III. If another time should be given, it can nev- 
er be as propitious as the present. 

IV. There is more than a possibility that this is 

the last, the only time, you will ever have. 

REMARKS. 

1. The presumptions of the past should 
alarm us, and the forbearance of God should move 
us. 

2. Sinners, I want my answer, and I must 
have it, and God will record it. Will you bid the 
eternal God depart ? Will you bid the Son of God 
wait upon your convenience ? When you call, there 
may be none to hear. When you cry, there may 
be none to deliver. 



CXXXVII. 

"I verily thought with myself that. I ought to do many 
things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth." — Acts 
26: 9. 

THEME. — Men ought not to conclude they are 
right because their conscience is easy. 

I. The fact: Paul was conscientious and very 

wrong at the same time. 

II. Conscience misinformed approves the wrong 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 159 

as earnestly as the right. 

III. When conscience comes to be the standard, 
then the Bible speaks in vain. 

IV. Conscience may be seared; lorg insulted, it 

reserves its speech for the judgment. 

REMARKS. 

1. Conscience should ever be corrected, but 
never violated. Men should never do a conscious 
wrong, nor a wrong which investigation might de- 
tect. 

2. Because a man thinks he is right, when 
he is wrong, is no reason why the enlightened 
should not labor to set him right. 

3. The conscienceless," or the conscientious 
wrongdoer, are alike difficult to reach, and alike 
in danger. 

4. When grace quickens, and truth regulates 
the conscience, rest in sin is at an end, and Christ 
is then needed. 



CX XXVI II. 

"To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness 
to light."— Acts 2(5: 18. 

THEME. — The moral disabilities of- men to em- 
Ch rist a re appall in g. 

I. They are blind; not eyeless, but they are 

blind. Blind people that have eyes. 

II. They are surrounded by moral darkness. 

Earth's night is a long and gloomy one, 



160 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES, 

broken only by gospel light. 

III. They are the victims of satanic power; none 
the less fatal because voluntary. 

REMARKS. 

1. The varied phenomena in the workings of 
the sinner's mind, under the process of conver- 
sion, are accounted for in this subject. 

2. How appalling, and yet how full of inter- 
est, is the mission of God's people in the work of 
the gospel. Well is it that they can fall back upon 
a divine helper. 

3. The gospel offends the sinner. He must, 
if he would be saved by it, join with it in the of- 
fense, even to his own crucifixion, and a perpetu- 
al home war, till the victory is won. 



CXXXIX. 

"There is no fear of God before their eyes." — Romans 
3:18. 

THEME- — The fear of God is virtue's indispensa- 
ble and only safe guard. 

I. If God's absolute authority be set aside, there 

is no law of virtue, by which universal con- 
science is bound. 

II. Without the fear of God, no providential re- 

gard to self interest will be a safe-guard 
against the rage of passion. 

III. If no future retribution be apprehended, in- 
fidelity will not be restrained from an in- 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES 161 

vasion of the rights of others. 

IV. If the fear of God be removed, there remains 
no central bond; each alone or by partial 
conspiracy, will seek its own end, at the ex- 
pense of others. 

REMARKS. 

1. Education, civilization, and social refine- 
ment will be no effectual safeguard to virtue; like 
a feeble cable, they will hold the bark in a calm, 
but not in a storm. 

2. Civil government, if the absolute authority 
of God be denied, becomes a conspiracy and the 
ally of wrong instead of a shelter for virtue. 

3. The Christian alone is the true patriot, and 
Christianity the only efficient conservative ele- 
ment in our natural bond. Woe to a godless na- 
tion. 



CXL. 

'•To declare, I say, His righteousness." — Romans 3:26. 

THEME. — If God were to save sinners without 
personal Jaith in the atonement, he would be unjust, 
unrighteous. 

I. It would be an impeachment of Himself, as a 

Lawgiver, or Legislator. 

II. If God should save sinners without regard 

to the atonement of Christ, and their per- 
sonal faith in it, it would impeach His jus- 

K 



162 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

tice in the death of Christ; if unneeded, it 
was unjust. 

III. To save sinners without regard to the atone- 
ment of Christ would be unjust to all the 
holy of the moral universe. 

REMARKS. 

1. The wrath of God in the damnation of the 
rejectors of Christ, the lost, is no impeachment of 
His love to the victims of that death. 

2. All those who ascribe salvation to God and 
reject the atonement of Christ reproach him with 
injustice. 

3. The condition of unbelievers is fearful. 
Sinners must accept and believe in Christ, or the 
righteousness of God secures their damnation. 



CXLI. 

"Do we then make void the law through faith ? God 
forbid; yea, we establish the law. " — Romans 3: 31. 

THEME. — Evangelical faith honors the law of 
God. 

I. It admits its claims, and pleads guilty, and 

vindicates its most terrible denunciations. 

II. It pleads exemption only by an honest liqui- 

dation of its claims. It attempts no com- 
promise by presenting the sinner's own de- 
fective righteousness. It presents the 
righteousness of Christ. 

III. It yields the studious obedience of love to 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 163 

its prescription; it both trusts and obeys; 
it is unto righteousness. 

REMARKS. 

1. Evangelical personal faith must be pre- 
ceded by evangelical conviction; u having the eyes 
of their understanding opened," or en lightened. 

2. All sound reformation in morals has its 
origin in evangelical faith; that faith which alone 
.honors the law can alone promote practical con- 
formity to the law. 



CXLII. 

•'And the commandment, which was ordained to life, 
I found to be unto death." — Romans 7: 10. 

THEME. — A knowledge that the life- giving pow- 
er of God's law is unto our death, is indispensable to 
our salvation. 

I. Until we have such knowledge, we live in 

pride and self-satisfaction, though at the 
same time under an unknown sentence of 
death. 

II. Such knowledge is indispensable, because 

without it our controversy with God con- 
tinues. 

III. Until such knowledge, the provisions of the 
gospel are gratuitous, and its propositions 
of mercy an insult. 

IV. The occupations and exercises of religion 



164 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

are all unwelcome and offensive to him who 
has not found out his real and true condi- 
tion under the law of God. 

REMARKS. 

1. The law of God, although it can not secure 
either the justification or sanctification of men, 
answers an essential part in the economy of sal- 
vation. Though the law can not save, it must pre- 
pare us for salvation. 

2. As the lif e^iving element of the law is 
the sinner's death, so the death element of the 

♦gospel is the sinner's life. 

3. My hearer, you must die to the law by 
Christ, or die out of Christ by the law; you must 
be crucified with Christ, or perish out of Christ. 



CXLII1. 

"That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled 
in us who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." 
— Romans 8: 4. 

THEME. — Transforming power is the unfailing 
accompaniment of justifying grace. 

I. The great object of redemption is not to de- 

stroy, but to restore, the reigning power of 
God's law. It is a present salvation. 

II. The personal adaptation to the benefits of re- 

demption is found only in their subjection 
to the reigning power of the law. 

III. The moral power and glory of the Savior's 
enterprise are augmented and displayed by 



TWO BUJNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 165 

the transforming power of His spirit. 

REMARKS. 

1. A personal title to redemptive glory and 
blessings is not written in creeds or professions, 
or on the books of the church, but in a changed, 
renewed and sanctified heart. 

:!. The Spirrt's inscription of a saved heart 
is legible: humility, meekness, self sacrificing 
love, the spirit of Christ. 

3. To appropriate evangelical justification 
to an ungodly life, is to make Christ the minister 
of sin. 

4. The carnal mind must be crucified. It 
must be supplanted by the mind of Christ, or we 
are lost. 



CXLIV. 

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they 
are the sons of God." — Romans 8: 14. 

THEME. — The Holy Ghost, by an indivelling 
possession and control, secures the eternal salvation of 
all the children of God. 

I. As He first planted the love of God in the 

soul, so He retains and exercises a quick- 
ening power. Christians yield, while oth- 
ers resist the Spirit. 

II. He occupies a judicious and successful sug- 

gestive control, both by impressions and by 
timely aid to the memory. 



166 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

III. He imparts all needful energy and strength 
for all the emergencies of life, or disposes 
of their enemies, in their behalf. 

IV. He takes care of the soul's house, the body; 

preserves it while needed, takes it down in 
death, and reconstructs it in the resurrec- 
tion. 

REMARKS. 

1. The certainty of the saint's perseverance 
is from the omnipotence of his conductor, and not 
from the inherent efficiency of his own strength 
or piety. 

2. The sure and indispensable evidence of 
our personal adoption is the presence and efficient 
influence of this heavenly conductor. 

3. The Spirit of God will never drive you to 
heaven or carry yoa there against your will, or 
over your indifference: you must be willing, led 
by Him, or you are lost. 



CXLV. 

"It is God that justifieth. "—Romans 8: 33. 

THEME. — The justification of a believer in Christ 
is as immutable as the nature of God. 

I. The act of justification is pronounced by Him 
who surveys at the moment all the circum- 
stances and contingencies of the individu- 
al's character and life. Past, present and 
future are all spread out as on a map before 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 167 

His omniscient eye. Hence the act must 
be unchangeable. 

II. It is pronounced by Him who is pledged to 

sustain inviolate the claims of eternal jus- 
tice. Shall God err, or mistake find its way 
to the throne of God ? Assuredly not. 
Then, when He grants pardon to a sinner, 
and gives him a title to eternal life, (all of 
which is included in justification,) that act 
is a righteous act, and can never be revok- 
ed. 

III. Justification is pronounced by virtue of an 

expedient, infinitely efficacious and of im- 
perative force, making the act itself un- 
changable, intrinsically and necessarily so. 
Christ undertook a great work. He pur- 
chased the church by His blood, and now 
claims the fulfilment of the covenant, the 
reward of His sufferings, the justification 
of every believer. 

IV. Christ not only died, but lives with His eter- 

nal power and God-head, the consecrated 
executive of the decision made in the act 
of justification. To its accomplishment 
His veracity is pledged. The pardoned and 
justified ones shall be saved, because 
Christ's work as Redeemer insures their 
salvation. 

REMARKS. 

1. Are we justified ? This is the question of 



168 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

all others, most momentous and important to us. 
Has the great God and Governor of universe jus- 
tified as freely by His grace through the redemp- 
tion that is in Christ Jesus ? 

2. This subject clothes the offers and propo- 
sitions of the gospel with unparalleled importance. 
It is not whether we shall make a profession of 
religion or not, join some church or not, whether 
we shall be happy or not. It is whether we shall 
be eternal] v justified by the God of heaven, 
whether or not we shall have handed over to us, 
by an immutable and ho y God, a title to the eter- 
nal mansions of glory. 



CXLVI. 

"For the creature was made subject to vanity, not 
willingly, but by reason of Him who hath subjected the 
same in hope." — Romans 8: 20. 

THEME. — Death is a temporary^ provision of the 
gospel and ivill end when the work of salvation ends. 

I. Death is not germane to creation, nor yet to 

transgression. It is spurned by the former, 
and offensive to the claims of the latter. 

II. The introduction and termination of death 

are both ascribed to Christ. True, indeed, 
it is a provision to meet a necessity which 
sin has made, but fearful as is the remedy, 
mercy has provided it. Its use is indispen- 
sable. It suspends the judgment, and giv- 



TWO BUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 169 

es the gospel to the successive generations 
of men. 

REMARKS. 

1. Death is a mystery impenetrable and pro- 
found, but only dreadful as the prospects of judg- 
ment make it so— at most it is an inconvenience. 
It is uot our punishment. Provisions and pros- 
pect may make it an infinite gain. 

*J. Death delayed is mercy's hour prolonged. 
Its approach ends probation and seals the fact, as 
well as the consciousness of heaven or hell. 

3. The dead should be left with God. Their 
departure should be used to comfort our hearts, 
to strengthen our faith, and to quicken our zeal 
for the living. To the living we may be useful; 
the dead are beyond our influence. 



CXLVII. 

"That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow 
in my heart." — Romans ix:2. 

THEME. — Whom the Lord makes useful, on 
thna He lays the burden of souls. 

I. Only as the burden of souls is on us shall we 

sympathize with Christ in His self-sacri- 
ficing work. 

II. Only as the burden of souls is on us, will the 

spirit that wins souls show itself in us. 

III. Exactly proportionate to the burden of 
souls on us will be our zeal in the work of 
their salvation. 



170 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

REMARKS. 

1. Even the revival of our own spiritual 
life and joy should be held subservient to that end. 
"Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation : then 
will I teach transgressors thy ways and sinners 
shall be converted unto thee. " 

2. This burden for souls within is well 
adapted to the uninvited and aggressive character 
of our work. Christ, Paul, ourselves, are un- 
bidden. 

3. Sinners, are you indifferent, when heaven 
and all that is good in man, wakes for your in- 
terests ? 



CXLVIII. 

"For I could wish that myself were accursed from 
Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the 
flesh." — Romans ix: 3. 

THEME. — A passion for souls, a solicitude which 
no words can express, is indispensable to the work of 
winning souls to Christ. 

I. Passionate solicitude in one commissioned to 

help is alone compatible with the terrible 
condition of the sinner. 

II. Passionate solicitude is alone xbmpatible 

with our personal relation to the lost. 
They are our brethren, our kindred accord- 
ing to the flesh. 

III. Passionate solicitude is alone compatible 
with the passion of Christ, and the costli- 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 171 

ness of the provisions for their rescue. 

REMARKS. 

1. Sinners understand this matter. The 
simple absence of solicitude in God's messengers 
is an effectual negative to every argument of ap- 
peal to them, to seek refuge. 

2. While gospel truth without passion will 
ever be powerless to save, so, likewise, passion 
without gospel truth will avail nothing. To suc- 
ceed, we must so present the gospel that men 
will believe. 

3. Have we not reason to believe that if the 
sanctified zeal of the primitive Christians were 
revived, that primitive success would again 
crown the labors of God's people? When did it 
ever fail, or why should it? 



CXLIX. 

"That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of 
men, but in the power of God." — I Cor. ii: 5. 

THEME. — In all our endeavors to promote the 
cause of God, our confidence must be limited to God's 
power. 

I. All the means we use, or can use, unenergized 

by His power, will be utterly powerless for 
good. 

II. Unless our trust in Him is unmingled, we 

render offensive to God whatever means 
we may use. 



172 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

III. If God should give us success with divided 
trust, we should divide the glory, and rob 
God of His due. 

IV. The utter inadequacy of e^ery other source 

of expectation, will at some time be so ob- 
vious, as to leave us without courage if we 
trust not in God. 

REMARKS. 

1. If our faith stands in the power of God 
alone, we shall duly appreciate the feeblest in- 
strumentality of sincerity offered. 

2. Importunate prayer will be seen to re- 
sult from our singleness of trust in God. We 
shall seek to please God. 

3. Adverse appearances wiil not discourage, 
tut humble and drive the enlightened mind to 
God. Our extremity is God's opportunity. 



CL. 

"For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be 
judged/' — I Cor. xi: 31, 

THEME. — A faithful judgment of ourselves 
ivould spare us from the judgment of God. 

I. A faithful judgment of ourselves would lead 

us to justify God, in our condemnation, and 
so end our controversy with Him, 

II. A faithful judgment of ourselves would help 

us to appreciate, and lead us to accept of 
the pardoning mercy of God. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. L73 

III. A faithful judgment of ourselves would lead 
us to secure the justice of God, by accept- 
ing and presenting the substitute Christ. 

IV. A faithful judgment of ourselves would lead 

us to avoid those ways which offend God, 
and provoke His displeasure. 

REMARKS. 

1. To perform this duty both memory and 
observation must do their honest work. Let 
not self be spared for its crying. 

2. To do this work a set time is demanded, 
the present; the commencement of a new year is 
a propitious time. From it as a summit, let us 
survey the pathway of life, in the past, and on- 
ward to the goal of life. 

3. The reverse is true. If we judge not 
ourselves God will judge us. Chastisement upon 
the heedless saint, and vengeance upon the sin- 
ner, are sure to follow. 



CLI. 

"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory 
through our Lord Jesus Christ." — I Cor. xv: 57. 

THEME. — Personal faith in Jesus Christ sub- 
jects death, the ivorld's conquerer, to the kindest uses 
for the CJiristian. 

I. It disarms it of its terror. It plucks away 
its sting, which is sin. 



174 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

II. It changes it from an intrusion into a timely- 

release. 

III. It makes it a paternal summons to an in- 
finitely higher and happier state. 

REMARKS. 

1. The subject proclaims the exceeding val- 
ue of personal religion. It is a provision unpar- 
alleled in its necessity and in its completeness. 

2. There is great consolation in the loss of a 
good man, 

To his family and friends. 

To the church of God. 

To society with its various ties. 

3. Painful as are the approaches of death, 
and unwelcome as are its contemplations, it 
should not be ignored. It is manly to meet and 
conquer the foe. The fleeing coward will be over- 
taken and perish. 



CLII. 

"For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in 
them that are saved, and in them that perish." — II Cor. 
ii: 15. 

THEME.— Christ is honored, by the faithful 
proclamation of the gospel, both in the saved and the 
lost. 

I. In both cases it exhibits the justice of God 
alike, by the manner of saving the one, and 
by the development of the character and 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 175 

deserts of the other. 

II. In both cases, the proclamation of the gospel 

exhibits alike the compassionate love and 
kindness of God by the experience of the 
saved, and the opportunities of the lost. 

III. In both cases alike is exhibited the power 
of divine grace, by the cure wrought for 
the saved, and by the terrible disease per- 
petuated, which grace offered to, and was 
able to cure. 

REMARKS. 

1. Gospel privileges will indicate to the uni- 
verse that the sinner is himself the sole cause of 
the loss of his soul. 

2. The responsibilities of ministers of Christ 
are tender and of fearful magnitude. 

3. The results of the preaching of the gospel 
are of overwhelming magnitude and extent. It 
may seem to some a small thing, but the honor 
and glory of Christ are involved, as well as the 
saving of multitudes of deathless souls. 

4. The scenes and events of the last few 
weeks are not done with. Their fruits will follow 
us to the eternal world. These meetings will 
never be forgotten. 



CLIII. 

••In whom the god of this world hath blinded the 
minds of them which believe not." — II (or. iv: 4. 

THEME — Worldly influences hide the gospel 
from men. 



176 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

I. Its publicity. 

1. The facts of it are abroad. 

2. Its claims are widely asserted. 

II. The exception. Those to whom it is hid, 

viz., those blinded by the god of this 
world. 

1. The god of this world blinds men with its 
sophistries. 

2. With its sordid interests in all their 
varied forms. 

3. With its pleasures that over-excite the 
passions. 

REMARKS. 

1. Christians should by truth assail the con- 
science. Truth is to the soul what corrosives 
are to the filmed eye. 

2. God'sjudgmentsareneedful. Godisunder 
the necessity to take away numerous instruments 
of mischief. 

3. The Spirit's power is needful to salvation. 
It brings its light to bear upon the heart, to give 
us the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who 
is the image of God. 



CLIV. 

"For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the 
Lord: and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake." — 
II Cor. iv: 5. 

THEME. — Christ sustains to the believer a three- 
fold relative character. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. ITT 

I. ''Christ " The anointed. Mediator, peace- 
maker. 

II "Jesus." He shall save His people from their 
sins. The healer. 

III. l, TheLord." King. The government shall 
be upon His shoulders. Ruler. 

REMARKS. 

1. If Christ sustains this threefold relative 
character to the believer, those preaching should 
disseminate and present it all. 

2. If Christ sustains this threefold relative 
character, then that faith which ignores any of 
these relative distinctions, is sadly defective. 

3. If self is to be ignored in preaching, much 
more is it to be ignored in believing. 



CLV. 

'•We also believe, and therefore speak." — II Cor. iv: 



13. 



THEME. — Evangelical faith is inseparable from 
an earnest life. 

I. Evangelical faith. 

1. Belief in the matters of revelation vs. 
common truth. 

2. It involves the action of the heart, as well 
as the intellect. With the heart man believes un- 
to life. 



178 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

II. Such faith is inseparable from an earnest 

life. 

1. An object that cammands the heart, com- 
mands the life; the heart governs. 

2. The matters of evangelical faith are 
omnipotent motives, in their own intrinsic im- 
portance. 

3. This faith clothes life with such relative 
importance as to command earnestness. 

REMARKS. 

1. The unbelief of man is more profound 
than men admit, or themselves are aware of. A 
life of indifference is a life of unbelief. 

2. The restoration of primitive faith will 
restore primitive piety, and the primitive power 
of the gospel. 

3. Motives to Christian efforts are stable; 
they are in the matter of faith. 



CLVI. 

"For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be cloth- 
ed upon with our house which is from heaven. " — II Cor. 
v:2. 

THEME. — The groanings of the pious are a pre- 
lude to heavenly bliss. 

I. They are pilgrim groans, involving dissatis- 

faction with sin and earth, and longings for 
holiness and heaven. 

II. They are in fellowship with the sufferings of 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 179 

Christ, and indications of a title to, and a 
participation in, His heavenly glory. 

III. They bespeak the purifying process of the 
fires of refining, to which their heavenly 
Father has subjected them. 

REMARKS. 

1. The music of a pious groan is better in 
the ear of God, and of all the holy, than the song 
of fools. 

"2. How kind God is, to mingle through faith, 
and hope, and love, so much of the joys of heaven, 
with the groanings of earth. He giveth the songs 
in the night from the anticipated glory of the 
morning. 

3. But oh,if we are not pious, whether groans 
or songs be our portion hern, they are both alike 
tne prelude to sorrows more dark, to woes more 
bitter, and to groans unmingled with hope. 



CLVII. 

•Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we per- 
suade men." — II Cor. v: 11. x 

THEME.— The terror of the Lord is a legitimate 
argui appeal to the impenitent. 

I. The terror of the Lord is authenticated and 

fearful, — announced by the Judge, and 
the wrath of the infinite God. 

II. The terror of the Lord is relevant and just 

because it is made by the transgressor. 



180 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

For the holy, God has no terror. 

III. The terror of the Lord is a ligetimate argu- 
ment of appeal, because the sinner has now 
a sovereign remedy at hand. 

REMARKS. 

1. The minister of the gospel who ignores 
this argument, because of its seeming harshness, 
renders himself cruel, through a false tenderness, 
and tacitly impeaches the kindness of God. Hell 
:'.s a monument of God's goodness. 

2. He who denies it, and labors to release 
the transgressor from the fear of it, sews pillows 
to armholes, and is traitorous to God and man. 

3. Whatever hides it or its remedy from the 
sinner's attention,is dangerous. 



CLVIII. 

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new crea- 
ture. "—II Cor. v: 17. 

THEME. — The change wrought by the grace of 
God, to save men, is radical and entire. 

I. It is radical. . The man himself is changed. 

He is a new creature. 

II. It is entire. He is in Christ. Christ is his 

head, in law, and life. 

III. It is entire. All the circumstances by 
which he is surrounded, are changed. 
Heaven, earth and hell. 



TWO BUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 181 

REMARKS. 

1. The work of salvation is worthy of its 
author,—- difficult in its executive, and glorious in 
its results. 

2. Both churches and men should take care 
to distinguish between a change of purpose, and a 
change of heart; the one is superficial, and 
evanescent, the other is radical and lasting. 

3. In the work of Christians, their reliance 
upon God for success is absolute. Instrumen- 
tality alone can make professors, but God only 
can make Christians. 

4. Sinners, you must be born again. In the 
controversy between you and God, the wrong is 
in you, the change must be in you. 



CLIX. 

••Be ye reconciled to God. "'—II Cor. v: 20. 
THEME. — Th ere is a fea rfu I cont ro vers-)/ between 
the unconverted and God. 

I. It is all on the part of the sinner, that it is 

perpetuated. God would have peace ;sends 
them embassadors, writes them letters, 
pravs them to be reconciled. Sinners turn 
away. 

II. The controversy is causeless. God has done 

nothing to provoke it. It is against justice, 
equity and love. It is therefore malicious. 

III. The controversy is an unequal one. Its 
pursuit on the part of the sinner is in- 



182 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

dicative of moral madness. Let the pot- 
sherds strive with the potsherds, but shall 
man contend with his Maker? 

IV. This controversy must be settled. Men 
must be reconciled and have peace with God, 
or meet destruction at His hand. The mission 
of Christ to earth was a mission of peace. 

REMARKS. 

1. The plan of reconciliation through the 
blood of the cross demands our profound at- 
tention. 

2. The condecension of God is amazing. It 
ought to clothe the entreaty of the text with 
resistless power. Let every heart respond with 
aery for mercy. 

3. This appeal is backed by the terrors of 
the last day. Knowing the terrors of the Lord, 
we persuade men. 



CLX. 

' ; And they glorified God in me. "— Galations i: 24. 

THEME. — The conversion of a sinner is an occa- 
sion of divine glory among all holy beings. 

I. Because it exhibits the omnipotence of His 

power. It is by the resurrection of Jesus 
Christ from the dead. 

II. It exhibits the wonders of His love, its 

strength,its self-sufficient character. 

III. It exhibits the efficiency of His grace to ar- 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 183 

rest, to stay, to quicken, and thus to 
change. 

REMARKS. 

1. The enemies of God hate revivals, be- 
cause they uncover men, and honor God. 

2. As revivals decrease, or are suspended, 
iniquity abounds. The stability of the world's 
reform is found alone in revivals. 

3. The fearful magnitude of sin, and the 
peril of the sinner, are strikingly indicated by the 
estimate of an individual rescue from its grasp. 
It is a victory worthy of God. 



CLXI. 

"Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring 
us unto Lhrtst, that we might be justified by faith." — 
Galatians iii: 24. 

THEME. — An honest and earnest heart, grappling 
with the law, is by it referred to Christ for help. 

I. The law condemns us as transgressors, and 

so refers us to Christ for justification. 

II. The law convicts of sin, of a moral defilement 

and disease, and so refers us to Christ for 
cleansing. 

III. The law refuses to help us. It will make no 
compromise. It knows nothing of half 
way obedience. 

IV. The law admits itself honored, in behalf of 

sinners, by the life and death of Christ, and 
so refers to Him for help. 



184 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

REMARKS. 

1. The Jew's covenant was a covenant of 
death, but it conducted to the covenant of life. 
But strange that the covenant of life, the gospel, 
should lead any to the covenant of death, to trust 
in works of the law for life. 

2. The law will, like the pedagogue, conduct 
you to Christ or to death. 



CLXII. 

"And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due 
season we shall reap, if we faint not." — Galatians vi: 9. 

THEME.- — The Christian may derive fortitude in 
view of the results of well doing. 

I. He needs encouragement: 

1. The counter- tendencies of his own nature 
demand it. 

2. His efforts are often not appreciated, and 
often blamed. 

3. The fruits of what he does do not at once 
appear. 

II. The results afford encouragement: 

1. There is a direct result upon ourselves, 
which more than remunerates. 

2. We owe the service; a conscious honesty 
to Christ will repay us. 

3. God insures success and reward. The 
crop in due season shall bless our hand. In that 
crop we have an interest. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 185 

REMARKS. 

1. Present indolence is present impoverish- 
ment. The armed man comes upon the slothful. 

2. Our first care is the household of faitb, 
and all men in their turn. The claims of this field 
are a divine draft upon us. 

3. The more discouraging circumstances 
press upon us, the more should we have recourse 
to the antidote commended. 



CLXIII. 

"Which is the earnest of our inheritance." — Ephesi- 
ans i: 14. 

THEME. — The seal of the Spirit is the earnest of 
ijnui imparts to the heirs of God the substantia! 
s of hea V( 

I. One element of heaven is holiness. The Spirit 

stamps the soul with the holiness of God. 
It puts it in sympathy with a holy law, holy 
angels, holy works and a holy God. 

II. Love is aa element of heaven. It stamps the 

soul with the love of God, and so gives it 
the life of God. The bond and the activi- 
ties of heaven make it live a heavenly life 
on earth. 

III. Benevolence is an element of heaven. It 
imparts that spirit to the soul, and gives it 
fellowship with God in the great work of 
redemption, and adds to it the joy of praise, 
heaven's most delightful occupation. 



186 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

REMARKS. 

1. Evangelical hope is transforming in its 
power. Character is both the title and the sub- 
stance of our inheritance in Christ. 

2. The victory of faith is certain. It is it- 
self the substance of things hoped for, and the 
earnest is surety. 

3. God secures the end of the saint's calling, 
the glory of his grace, in his heavenly mint. 

4. Revolt is the earnest of the sinner's doom. 
Hatred is hell. As heaven, so hell begins on 
earth. 



CLXIV. 

"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children." 
— Ephesians v: 1. 

THEME. — Filial piety is presented as a rhodel 
of our service of God. 

I. Filial piety reciprocates paternal love. Noth- 
ing is more grateful to the paternal heart 
than filial love. Such are dear. 

II. Filial piety holds the name and character of 

the parent, brother and sister most sacred 
and dear. 

III. Filial love cherishes the paternal will as the 
chosen law of life, and obeys with alacrity 
and delight. 

REMARKS. 

1. The strength of the claims of God to our 



TWO ET7NDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 181 

filial piety renders a neglect, an indolent, selfish, 
world-loving life on the part of Christians very 
guilty. 

2. If we follow God as dear children it im- 
plies that we are children. Smners, the unchild- 
like conduct of God's childreu is bad enough, in 
all conscience, but net to be a child at all is worse. 
You must follow God, or the judgment will follow 
you with the terrors of the last day. 



CLXV. 

•'See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, 
but as \vise. ,? — Ephesians v: 15. 

THEME. — Wisdom demands a new life; a world- 
ly life is the life of fools. 

I. The life must be subjected to a new controll- 

ing power; self- wisdom must be renounced 
for the wisdom and control of God. Paul. 
"Lord; what will thou have me to do?" 

II. It must be devoted to a new end, the ac- 

cummuiation not of material,or intellectual, 
merely, but moral wealth. Treasure in 
heaven rather than on earth. 

III. It has new occupations ;a new vineyard in- 
vites to its culture (the heart) and a new 
harvest field invites him to thrust in the 
sickle. Seed for a new harvest is to be sown. 
Sow and reap, reap and sing, will character- 
ize the new life. 



188 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

REMARKS. 

1. To judge of the folly of the old life, or the 
wisdom of the new, the sinner's standpoint is not 
a good one. That of a living Christian is better. 
But Jordan's bank with the curtain of eternity 
lifted up, is still better . 

2. The night of the sinner's pleasant dream- 
ing, of his revel and song, and the day of the 
Christian's toil and tears will both soon end. 



CLXVI. 

"For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." — 
Philippians i: 21. 

THEME. — To the godly, death is advantageous. 

I. Who are the godly? 

1. Such as have Christ in this life. 

2. Such as are engaged in His work. 

3. Such as choose the inheritance of the 
saints. 

II. To such, death is an advantage: 

1. It terminates their state of exile. 

2. It completes the refining process of their 
own souls. 

3. It translates them from a transient, un- 
stable world of sin and death, to a world where 
adversity is unknown, and sorrow never comes, 
and where tears never fall. 

4. It brings the fruition of hope, Christ, and 
heaven, without a cloud between. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLIXI 189 

REMARKS. 

1. Sin! Oh! what a trouble! It begat death, 
and arms death with all its terrors. 

-. What an omnipotent remedy is grace to 
convert death, the world's terror, into a messen- 
ger of mercy to be desired. 

3. According to our character are we dread- 
ing, or waiting for death, to seal our doom, or 
bring us home. 

4. If grace be an antidote for death, it is 
surely a cure for the lesser ills of life. 



CLXVII. 

"For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to 
depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better: never- 
theless to abide in the flesh is more needful to you." — 
Philippians i: 24. 

THEME. — Usefulness to the church of God, with 
the truly pious,is the motive for a willingness to live 
here. 

I. The saints on earth need them more than the 

saints in heaven. For Christ's sake, we 
owe them a debt; an honest heart prefers 
to pay its debts. 

II. Gratitude loves to serve. Heaven is the 

place to enjoy Christ. This world is the 
place to serve. 

III. The love of God is more ready to bless than 

to be blessed. Christ died that He might 
bless. Those who have His spirit are will- 



190 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES, 

ing to suffer that they may bless. 

REMARKS. 

1 . In all the service of God, to give is the 
motive, to get the result. 

2. What a contrast between a Christian and 
sinner. The former is willing to forego the joys 
of heaven, for usefulness here; the latter incurs 
the pains of hell for the pleasure of earth. 

3. Oh, what a treasure to the soul is Christi- 
anity. It bestows the joys of usefulness here, 
and heaven in prospect. To live is Christ, to die 
is gain. 



CLXVIII. 

"Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and ser- 
vice of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all." — 
Philippians ii: 17. 

THEME. — The sacrifice of ourselves to the mis- 
sion of faith, is our high 'privilege. 

I. The mission of faith, what is it? 

1. It is to hold forth the word of life by the 
practice of the righteousness of faith. 

2. It is to hold' forth the word of life by the 
ministry or teaching of faith. 

II. This is our privilege, because: 

1. It gives us companionship with the best 
of earth, the good of all ages. Prophets, Apostles, 
Christ. 

2. A rich reward is found in the success — 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 101 

the certain success and triumph of the mission. 

3. It is abundantly rewarded by the peace- 
ful communings of the spirit, and the ultimate 
crown of rejoicing held in reserve for them by 
the Lord of the enterprise. 

REMARKS. 

1. The trials of religion do not forbid its en- 
trance, or justify complaint under its burdens. 

_. Sin, too, has its mission, and its altar of 
service. But woe to the victim that is immolated 
thereon. 

3. With Christ's sacrifice before us, let us 
renew the sacrifice of ourselves. 



CLXIX. 

"Rejoice in the Lord ahvay."— Philippians iv: 4. 

THEME. — Perpetual joy in God is a Christi" 
duty. 

I. He possesses, in God, the elements or causes 

of perpetual joy. 

II. He owes it to God. Anything short of that 

is an unsuitable return for the relative full- 
ness in God. 

III. He owes it to his companionship in Zion. 
An unhappy Christian is a source of un- 
happiness to others. 

IV. He owes it to a joyless world. His portion 

in God is not to be enjoyed alone. He is a 



192 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

steward, and the joy of the Lord is his 



strength. 



REMARKS. 



1. The discharge of this duty will make it 
needful to contemplate God. He must have our 
thoughts and attention, if we would rejoice in Him. 

2. Earthly afflictions afford us no excuse 
from this duty. They should only drive us to 
this perpetual and higher soui ce of joy. 

3. Sinners are joyless when earthly comforts 
fail. Fitful and purely contingent now, their joy 
will soon cease altogether. 



CLXX. 

"For it pleased the Father that in Him should all 
fulness dwell." — Colossians i: 19. 

THEME. — In Christ alone is our relative fullness. 

I. In Him is a fullness of pardoning mercy. 

Power, right over all flesh is given to Him. 

II. In Him is a fullness of justifying righteous- 

ness. He has wrought it out and brought 
it in. 

III. In Him is a iullness of redeeming power. 
In the day of His power, His people are 
made willing. His work is before Him. 

IV. In Him is a fullness of helping grace. My 

grace is sufficient for thee. Himself is a 
portion. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 193 

REMARKS. 

1. If it pleased God to place a fullness in 
Christ for our use, it must displease Him if we re- 
fuse to avail ourselves of it. 

2. To have this fullness in Christ, and then 
go to the broken cisterns of earth for our happi- 
ness, is a most God-offending folly; it is to leave 
the fullness of a father's house for mere husks. 

3. While Christ is the power of God unto 
salvation to all that believe, yet he is a stumbling 
block to the Jews, and folly to the Greek. The 
self-righteous and the self-wise will alike spurn 
him. Christ is adapted, not to the tastes, but to 
the necessities of sinners. 



CLXXI. 

Set your affections on things above, not on things 
on the earth." — Colossians iii: 2. 

THEME. — Christians should industriously train 
their hearts for God. 

I. The heart is energized by the exercise of its 

affections. 

II. The heart is moulded or modified into the 

likeness of the objects upon which the 
affections take hold. 

III. The haart will command our mental and 
physical faculties to the service and attain- 
ment of the object after which the heart is 
drawn. 



194 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

REMARKS. 

1. God's word is the medium by which our 
hearts are brought in contact with heavenly 
things. 

2. The heart indifference we so often deplore 
is self -in flic tod. 

3. The Christian's profession and his pur- 
suit in life is often a paradox. 



CLXXII. 

"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ 
in God." — Colossians iii: 3. 

THEME. — Faith interests the believer in the death 
and in the life of Christ; makes them both his. 

I. Faith makes Christ our substitute before the 

law in its penal demands. We die in Christ 
before the law. 

II. We die in our substitute. We yet live in 

divorce; justice will have no controversy 
with Christ marrying us. 

III. Faith unites our life with Christ in His 
resurrection. It is His, and we live with 
Him in God. • 

IV. Faith makes us heirs with Him; the twain 

shall be one flesh. 

REMARKS. 

1. Not earthly, but heavenly riches, are our 
chief inheritance. To the one we are dead, to the 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 195 

other alive; od them let us set our affections. 

2. The law of love and obedience is stamped 
on our new nature. The power of its reign is 
faith. The law of our life is the living, indwelling 
nature of God, our "head." 

3. The first advent of Christ brought the 
right and germ of life through death; His second 
advent will bring the fullness of life through his 
resurrection power and glory. 

4. All this is reversed by unbelief. He that 
rejects the sinner's substitute must settle it with 
the sinner's judge. He is dead while he lives. 



CLXXIII. 

••Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me 
first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering, for 
a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on Him 
to life everlasting.'* — I Timothy i: 16. 

THEME.— The salvation of Paul is a matter of 
encouragement to the chief of sinners who believe on 
Jesus Christ. 

I. Have they been enemies of Jesus Christ? So 

was he. The hatred of wounded pride, of 
insulted self righteousness was his. 

II. Have they been enemies of both religion and 

its advocates? So was he. 

III. Have they been very wicked? So was he. 
The chief of sinners, a contemner of re- 
ligion, and a murderer of the saints. 



196 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

REMARKS. 

1. Are any conscious of their deserts of 
wrath on the account of sin? Try no experiments, 
believe in Christ. Faith, and it alone, saves. 

2. Let no one seek to lesson his sins in his 
own esteem; their magnitude is His imperative 
motive and argument. It urges, not despair, but 
earnestness. 

3. Every Christian experience is a beacon 
light of mercy. Like the converted Saul of Tar- 
sus, they should hold it forth to their fellow sin- 
ners for their encouragement. 



CLXXIV. 

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious 
appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. 
—Titus ii: 13. 

THEME. — The hope of Christ is an inspiration, 
transforming its possessor into His own likeness. 

I. The desire of hope itself is the life exercise of 

His moral likeness in the soul. It has 
transforming power. 

II. It detaches from the corrupt and corrupting 

allurements of earth, by the more efficient 
attractions of heaven and godliness. 

III. It embodies the desire and expectation of 
being accepted of Him. The pleasure hope 
anticipates, must be mutual. 

IV. The felicity brought at His coming will be 



TWO HUNDRED BERMON OUTLINES. 197 

the joy of universal transformation into His 
own moral likeness. 

REMARKS. 

1. Evangelical hope is not a selfish but a 
gracious exercise. The false may be known by 
its connivance with sin. 

"2. Like David, every Christian should set 
the Lord always before his face. The fires of hope 
must be supplied with fuel, or every grace will 
languish. 

3. The world's perceptive power will read 
the purifying character of the saving grace of 
God. as the law of the Christian's life, and detect 
the inconsistencies of Christians. That perceptive 
power will seal the world's condemnation. 



CLXXV. 

••For both He that sanctifieth and they who are sancti- 
fied are all of one."' — Hebrews ii: 11. 

THEME. — Christ's personal oneness with human 
nature is His apology for the exaltation of the re- 
el to divine recognition andfellowshiji. 

I. By His oneness with our nature, and yet free- 

dom from our sin, He proves its adaptation 
to the distinguished occupations for which 
it was created. 

II. By His oneness with our nature, His action 

in its behalf, in the matter of atonement, 
was legitimate and appropriate. He was 
made such for the sutfering of death. 



198 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

III. By His oneness with our nature,He inherits 
in our behalf the exalted position and 
rights which were man's, in the scale of 
creation, and from which he fell. 

IV. By His oneness with our nature, He impreg- 

nates it with recuperative energy. The 
sanctifier, and the sanctified, are onf . Their 
assimilation to Himself will be the glory of 
His enterprise. 

REMARKS. 

1. Christians should never be ashamed of 
Christ. The recognition must be mutual. "He 
that denieth me before men, him will I also deny 
before my Father and His angels. " 

2. With such a recognition at the court of 
heaven, Christians may well be regardless of the 
contempts of the world, and be humbly bold in 
their approaches to the mercy seat. 

3. The attributes of our nature are fearfully 
sublime, in their adaptation and susceptibilities. 
Oh, how appalling their prostitution and ruin. 
Our very attributes doom us to bliss unutterable, 
or woe amazing. 



CLXXVI. 

"Wherefore in all things it behooved Him to be made 
like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and 
faithful High Priest." — Hebrews ii: 17. 

THEME. — The assumption of our nature on the 
part of Christ is a sure pledge of His fidelity to our 
interests. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 199 

I. The assumption: 

1. He assumed the elements of our being, 
our powers and our susceptibilities. 

2. Our condition,our responsibilities and our 
experiences. 

II. This is a sure pledge of His fidelity: 

1. In the benevolent sacrifice and condition 
of the act. 

2. In the avowed purpose of the act to pro- 
vide for, and the execution of, our salvation. 

3. It allies the energies of the Godhead in 
the most tender relationship and sympathy with 
our weakness and our woes. 

REMARKS. 

1. With such assurance of fidelity on the 
part of Christ, the confidence of the Christian 
should be firm and unshaken. 

2. The most confiding and intimate approach 
to a throne of grace is encouraged, and the full 
disclosure of all our wants to Him. 

3. As saints are treated, so is Christ treated. 
Who touches them, touches Him. 



CLXXVII. 

"But the word preached did not profit them, aot be- 
ing mixed with faith in them that heard it." — Hebrews iv: 
2. 

THEME. — The want of faith in the preached 
word makes it poiverless for good to them that hear it. 



200 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

I. Unbelief prevents the concentration of the at- 

tention upou the matter of preaching, and 
leaves the mind to wa&te its energies on 
newer matters. 

II. Unbelief neutralizes the appeals of the word 

to the conscience and the heart, and so de- 
stroys its influence. 

III. Unbelief fails to retain the truth for either 
personal or social use, and so it is of no 
benefit. 

REMARKS. 

1. The gospel in its ill success, lays its com- 
plaint at the door of those that hear it. Its kind 
invitations are negatived by their unbelief. It 
has proved more than a match for Isaiah, Jeremi- 
ah, Paul and Christ Himself. 

2. The guilt of uabelief is amazing, whether 
you regard its origin, or its results. Its root is 
in an evil heart, and its fruit is eternal death. 
The sinner's condemnation is written in his un- 
belief. 

3. As the heart suborns the judgment, and 
beguiles the conscience, so truth must be brought 
to grapple with the judgment, and storm the con- 
science, if we would captivate the heart. 



CLXXVIIL 

■Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of 



TWO BUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 201 

THEME. — Our necessities err sure to Or met, 
when ic< come proper/)/ to God in prayer^ boldly. 

I. The boldness of uectssity. Necessity makes 

the hero. So Esther. So Jonah. The 
Syro-pheniciau woman. 

II. The boldness of love. Perfect love casteth 

out fear. A brother there. 

III. The boldness of permission. The Christian 
goes to a throne of grace, not an unbidden 
suppliant. 

IV. The boldness of transferred right. The 

name and right of Christ are His. 

V. The boldness of assurance. They are assured 

by Him who sits on that throne, that their 
requests shall be granted. 

REMARKS. 

1. Much depends on the form of prayer; not 
the elegance of the words, but the moral form 
which evangelical faith supplies. 

2. Unanswered prayer is defective prayer. 
The lean Christian may be sure there is some 
derangement between him and a throne of grace. 

3. Those necessities which drive back the 
timid, are the very necessities which should bring 
them near to God. 

4. The prayerJess are godless. He will be 
sought by those He blesses. And His fury is in 
reserve for those t'lat call not on Him. 



202 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

CLXXIX. 

''It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the liv- 
ing God. — Hebrews x: 31. 

THEME. — The end of the incorrigible is fearful. 

I. What is it to fall into the hands of the living 

God* 

1. Not as a benefactor, 

2. Not as a sovereign disposer, but 

3. As an avenger. 

II. It is fearful, because of 

1. The magnitude of the sinner's guilt. 

2. Of God's fidelity to His government and 
laws. 

3. Of God's power to punish. 

REMARKS. 

1. Sinner's present position is such as to de- 
mand his most serious attention. 

2. The nailed hand of Christ invites to its 
protection. Better, far better, for the sinner to 
flee to the hand of mercy, than fall into the hand 
of vengeance. 

3. Let sinners beware how they treat the 
gospel. Rejected, it enhances their doom. 



CLXXX. 

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for." — 
Hebrews xi: 1. 

THEME. — Faith is the actual participation of 
the heavenly ivorld. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 203 

I. It involves heaven's holiness. Faith is the 

believing of the heart unto righteousness. 

II. It involves the love that reigns in heaven. 

Faith is the fidelity of love. 

ill. It involves the possession of heaven. Their 
forerunner has taken it, in their right. 

IV. It involves the social fellowship of heaven. 
The heavenly respond to it, God, and the 
godly. 

REMARKS. 

1. Truth is the evangelical basis of faith. It 
is the reliable evidence, on which the convictions 
of the heart are predicated, of the realities of the 
heavenly world. 

2. A man's faith becomes the standard of a 
man's value in the Christian life. It will measure 
his conformity to God, his fidelity to God. 

3. Christianity pays down for all the sacri- 
fices which it demands. The liberal soul shall be 
made fat, while withholding more than is meet 
-tendeth to poverty. 

4. The faithless are heavenless. They have 
a judgment, but no advocate. An eternity, but 
no interest in the home of the holy. 



CLXXXI. 

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him." — 
Hebrews xi: 6. 

THEME. — Evangelical faith is indispensable to a 
Qed pleasing life. 



204 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

I. Such faith is indispensable to an evangelical 

recognition of God. He that would please 
God, must surely believe that He is. 

II. It is indispensable to a practical recognition 

of the rights of God. It alone gives to the 
Jaw of God a righteousness worthy of its 
demands. 

III. Evangelical faith alone will seek God, or 
trust Him for its rewards. It alone will 
trust His promises or be satisfied with their 
fulfilment. 

IV. Evangelical faith alone will drive the motives 

of its works from God's authority, or dare 
to perform them, when other motives are 
adverse. 

REMARKS. 

1. Faith is a positive exercise; its negative 
is death. Godless ignorance, or Godless indiffer- 
ence are alike deadly. 

2. Let hindrances to faith be shunned, 
whether books, men, or things. Let helps to 
faith be cherished. 

3. Faith is an object of prayer, the gift of 
God. Let it be sought earnestly. It is given in 
behalf of Christ; let it be sought in His name. 

4. With gospel light, unbelief is possible; 
without it, faith is impossible. Let none lack the 
light to whom we can give it. Let none who have 
it, reject it. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 205 

CLXXXII. 

"Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than 
the treasures in Egypt." — Hebrews xi: 26. 

THEME. — The reproaches of Christ are the 

Christian's preferred treasures. 

I. The reproaches of Christ, what are they? 

1. The reproaches that fall upon Him 
personally and relatively. 

2. The reproaches that fall upon His truth, 
in its sin reproving character. 

3. The reproaches that fall upon His people, 
upon those who stand in His truth. 

II. The preferred treasures. 

1. They disassociate them from the wicked 
in the sight of the holy. 

2. They make their fellowship with Christ 
very sweet. They are grateful to the loving 
heart. 

3. They chasten and purify the soul, crucify 
the flesh. 

4. They will be titles to honor, scars of hon- 
or in the eternal world. 

REMARKS. 

1. The obnoxious character of religion to the 
pride and earthliness of the world keeps back, 
and calls out the hypocrite from the ranks of the 
Godly. 

The choice of Moses is a wise one. The re- 
verse is folly. Afflictions and reproach mark the 
road to heaven; pleasure, the road to hell 



206 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

CLXXXUl. 

"God having provided some better thing for us, that 
they without us should not be made perfect. "—Hebrews 
xi: 40. 

THEME. — The superior advantages of the gospel 
dispensation demand superior piety. 

I. The basis of our faith is broader, firmer and 

stronger. Christ, life, death, resurrection, 
promise versus history. 

II. The clearer exhioition of Christ and His 

work of salvation gives faith more spiritu- 
al and evangelical power over the heart. 

III. The accumulated lights of the past, the 
more simple and spiritual exercises of the 
gospel, and, above all, the Paraclete of the 
gospel, give us exceeding advantage. 

REMARKS. 

1. The character of faith's achievements 
will differ from theirs. Less brilliant in martial 
valor, but equal in heroic fortitude, and more 
spiritual and character pervading. 

2. No ordinary* attainment in piety should 
satisfy us. Heaven and earth will expect much of 

us. 

3. The Lord has prepared His going forth as 
the light of the morning. And the path of the 
just is brighter and brighter unto the perfect day. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 207 

CLXXXIV. 

See that ye refuse not Him that speaketh." — He- 
brows xii: -'). 

THEME. — It is more fearful to trifle with Christ 
than with Moses, with the gospel than with the law. 
I. From the matter spoken. He utters con- 
ditions, and the only conditions of peace be- 
tween rebels and the eternal God. 

IT. From the commission of the speaker. The re- 
covery, or the destruction of every individ- 
ual of a revolted world. 

III. From the majesty and power of the speaker. 
Not Moses, but the God before whom Moses 
bowed. Not the lawgiver of Sinai, but of 
Zion. Not the falling mediator on Mt. Nebo, 
but the entering King, before whom the 
everlasting doors are lifted up. 

REMARKS. 

1. To become a Christian is not merely to 
embrace a privilege, but to assume responsibilities 
which are all pervading and fearful. 

2. Tne gospel is not a mere proclamation of 
mercy, it is a call to surrender. The sinner will 
trifle with its authoritative character at his peril. 
Jealously for the honor of God dwells with the 
compassion of Christ. 

3. Sinners may refuse Him that speaketh 
once, but He will speak four times more, when 

will hear. His call to death, to life, to judg- 
ment, and to their doom; these they must hear. 



208 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

CLXXXV. 

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to-day, and 
forever." — Hebrews xiii: 8. 

THEME. — Jesus Christ is a subject of perpetual 
contemplation to His people. 

I. Because His attributes are divine and im- 

mutable, the same yesterday and forever. 

II. All our interests are in Him. Our help, our 

hope, and our inheritance. The treasure 
and the heart should abide together. 

III. All our knowledge is from Him. He is both 
our guide, and our pattern. To know Him 
is to be like Him. 

IV. Christ ever considers His people. For them 

He wept and prayed on earth. For them 
He provides and pleads on high. 

REMARKS. 

1. Whatever supplants Christ in the hearts 
and attentions of Christians, is injurious and im- 
poverishing. 

2. The institutions of the gospel are precious 
and profitable to Christians, because they aid them 
in their peculiar occupation and contemplation of 
Christ. 

3. False and strange doctrines are injurious, 
because they tend to unsettle the heart and draw 
it away from Christ. No strange offering is suit- 
able to our altar. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 209 

CLXXXVI. 

•Hut with the precious blood of Christ."— I Peter i: 19. 

THEME. — The blood of Christ is infinitely pre- 
B to the believer. 

I. It has an infinite intrinsic preciousness. It 

is the blood of God incarnate. 

II. It redeems him from infinite woe; the vindic- 

tive wrath of outraged law. 

III. It frees him from the reign of infinite sin. 
"Your vain conversation." 

IV. It is the gift of infinite love. "God so loved," 

etc. 

V. It seals a covenant of infinite richness to the 

believer. 

REMARKS. 

1. The symbolic teaching of the Mosaic econ- 
omy was appropriate and rich to the pious Jew, 
else unexplained. It has been called a bloody 
code. It typified a blood redemption. 

2. Paul might well confine his glorying to 
the cross of Christ. Was he a changed and holy 
man ? It was from the cross. Was he an heir of 
heaven ? It was from the cross. 

3. How sacredly should the Christian reckon 
himself as God's. He should never allow Satan 
or self or the world to dispute His title. New 
cj eatures and a new life go together. 



210 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

CLXXXVII. 

"Unto you therefore which believe He is precious." 
—I Peter ii: 7. 

THEME. — Faith renders Christ precious to the 
soul. 

I. Faith discerns and appreciates His personal 

character, and approves His election. The 
want of it spurns Him as an impostor. 

II. Faith hails Him as a prophet and waits with 

delight upon His teaching. Unbelief spurns 
his instructions. 

III. Faith hails him as a Priest with his offering 
and intercession. Unbelief spurns both the 
offering and the Priest. 

IV. Faith hails Him as King and delights to 

obey. Unbelief spurns his authority and 
will not have this man to rule over those 
who cherish it. 

REMARKS. 

1. When earthly good evades or escapes us, 
let the language of our hearts be: Well, let it go, 
we have something better. With such a treasure 
we can bear the ills of life. 

2. When the world seeks to allure us with its 
gains, or its pleasures, or its sinful sensualities, 
let our reply be, We have something better. Let 
us not rob the soul of its heavenly transport for 
that which is earthly and sensual. 

3. The unbelieving r eart that spurns Christ, 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 211 

spurns life and prefers death. Whosoever falls 
upon this stone shall be broken, but on whomso- 
ever it faileth, it shall grind him to powder. 



CLXXXVIII. 

"We love Him, because He first loved us." — I John 
It: 1". 

THEME.— The priority of Christ's love for His 
people imposes an infinite obligation of consecration to 
His service and worship upon them. 

I. The love of Christ for His people is prior, in 

point of time, to the love of His people. 

II. It is prior as the fountain to the stream that 

issues from it. 

III. It is prior as cause to effect wrought in us. 
Our love is by the Holy Ghost He has sent. 

IV. It is prior as an argument to a conclusion. 

Love is an attribute; as such, it is an effect. 
It is also an exercise, it is the result of an 
argument, as a claim to a reward. 

REMARKS. 

1. It is meet, when we speak of salvation, we 
should speak of God as the giver, ourselves as the 
recipients; of ourselves as the passive and will- 
ing instruments, and God the efficient cause. 

2. The love of Christ in us, can no more die 
than in Him from whom it emanates. The foun- 
tain has opened and maintains it own channels. 
While the fountain lasts, the stream will never 
run dry. 



212 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. * 

3. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought to 
love one another. If love be constant, it will be 
mutual. 



CLXXXIX. 

"And this life is in His Son." — I John v: 11. 

THEME. — Christ is the legitimate and sole foun- 
tain of life to the believer. 

I. Christ is the fountain of their personal and 

spiritual existence; its origin and its per- 
petuity, even through death. 

II. Christ is the fountain of our constitutional 

life. Eternal life in bliss can only be pos- 
sessed in Him as our covenant head. 

III. Christ is the fountain of our moral life, our 
vital head. We live in him as the brand: 
lives in the vine, the limb in the tree, or the 
members in the body. 

REMARKS. 

1. The child of God has an inward conscious- 
ness of his union with Christ which may be 
strengthened or depressed by other circumstanc- 
es. But his consciousness makes him a compe- 
tent witness for God. Vs. 10. 

2. The life of all the saints is a unit; their 
union is vital, the union of life one with another. 
Vs. 16. 

3. The life of a Christian is invulnerable; it 
is in Christ, and must be destroyed there if any- 



TWO BUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 213 

where. Vs. 18, "His seed remaineth." 

4. Severed from the Son, men may exist, but 
without life. "He that believeth not the Son hath 
not life." The life is in Him, and found there, or 
it is not found at all. 



cxc. 

"Now unto Hiin that is able to keep you from falling, 
and to present you faultless before the presence of His 
glory with exceeding- joy, to the only wise God our 
Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both 
now and ever." — Jude 24. 

THEME. — GocVs triple work in saving souls will 
bring back to Himself a harvest of infinite glory. 

I. The soul's costly redemption will bespeak the 

infinite riches of His grace. He gave Him- 
self for us. 

II. The soul's recovery and preservation be- 

speak the powder of His grace, and the 
strength of His love. 

TIL The perfecting of the soul, the completeness 
of its transformation into His own likeness, 
bespeaks His fidelity to the heavenly state, 
the holiness of His realm. 

REMARKS. 

1. How happy for us, that God has deter- 
mined to gather the harvest of His glory, from 
His favor bestowed upon His people. 

2. By how much the grace of God is magni- 
fied in our salvation, by so much should we be 



214 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

humbled, in view of our sin, from which His grace 
saves us. 

3. How happy for us that we are permitted 
to pay the indebtedness of our souls to the grace 
of God in an exercise which is heaven to us; Heav- 
en's joy is praise. 

4. God's saving grace is herebv commended 
to lost souls; all this is pressed upon you in the 
gospel of Christ. 



CXCI. 

' 'And the Lamb is the light thereof. ' ' — Revelation xxi: 
23. 

THEME. — Christ, in the blended union of His 
sacrificial and divine character, is the glory of heaven. 

I. He is at once the source and the model of all 

moral excellence in the redeemed; divine, 
sacrificial, the creating God, and the saving 
Jesus. 

II. Christ is the author of the redeemed state. 

From His Godhead and His sacrifice result 
both the people and their condition. 

III. He is the eternal fountain au d the efficient 
cause of heaven's joy. His attributes,Him- 
self the fountain, the living and constant 
source of the highest bliss, and rapture 
that ransomed ones experience. Heaven 
lives in Christ. 

REMARKS. 

1. To misconceive of Christ is to miscon- 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 215 

ceive both of heaven, and of a preparation for a 
participation in heaven's glory. 

2. Christ, the glory of heaven, will make 
heaven the glory of Christ. 

o. A rough passage, a toilsome, burden- 
tig journey to such a home may well be en- 
dured 

4. Let it never be forgotten that God has es- 
tablished an inseparable connection between the 
conflicts of earth and the bliss of heaven; and no 
less certain the connection between a life of car- 
nal pleasure on earth, and of woe in eternity. 



CXCII. 

"And the Spirit and the Bride say, Uome." — Revela- 
tion xxii: IT. 

THEME. — The gospel provides every needful fa- 
cility fur the sinner's salvation, and removes every ob- 
struction foreign to himself out of the way. 

I. The Spirit woos him. 

II. The church invites him. 

III. All that hear remind and urge him. 

IV. Necessity and willingness are the only con- 

ditions. 

V. A fountain of life awaits him. 

REMARKS. 

1. An easier scheme of salvation can not be 
devised. Universalism itself represents ao easi- 



216 rWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

er way, but less necessity for any way. 

2. Such solicitude bespeaks the worth of the 
soul, and the danger of its position. 

3. Mourning sinners may find relief at once. 
Heaven and earth combine to press a perfect an- 
tidote upon their attention. 

4. One can scarcely tell which to wonder at 
most, the. condescending kindness of Christ, or 
the madness of that pride, which rejects the pro- 
visions of His grace. 



CXCIII. 

"The voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from 
the ground." — Genesis iv: 10. 

"The blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things 
than that of Abel."— Heb. xii: 24. 

THEME. — The subject of both these texts is the 
same, it is blood. In both, blood is personified and re- 
presented as uttering a voice. Let us listen and learn 
what these two voices utter, the one crying from the 
ground, the other speaking from the cross. 

I. The blood of Abel, crying from the ground, 

spoke of death. Death has entered the hu- 
man family and it has entered every family. 

II. The blood of Abel crying from the ground 

speaks of sin — not only of death, but of mur- 
der. Death is no more universal than is 

sin. 

III. That voice speaks also of sorrow. That 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINKs. 217 

first family had sorrow, and so too sorrow 
is everywhere. 

IV. That blood crying from the ground spoke al- 
so of retribution. Ah, Cain had dread ap- 
prehensions of coming judgment. And all 
mtn know there is something to be dreaded 
in future retribution. 

Pass down now the stream of time a few cen- 
turies, and see the son of God stretched upon the 
cross of Calvary. Draw near enough to hear 
what the blood says, that flows from His sacred 
body. It may be, sinner, that you have never been 
near enough to the cross to hear what that blood 
says. Listeu. 

I. That blood speaks of life, as the blood of Abel 

spoke of death. 

The guilty, condemned criminal sentenced to 
death, has a stay of execution for awhile, and he 
lives yet; so all men condemned to death still live, 
because the blood of Christ has secured a stay of 
execution, and thus He is the "Savior of all men." 
And then life more abundantly is secured through 
Christ. 

II. The blood of Christ speaking from the cross 

speaks of pardon. It tells of free and full 
forgiveness. 

III. As the blood of Abel speaks of sorrow, the 
blood of Christ speaking from the cross,, 
tells of peace and joy. 



218 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

JEV. And as the blood of Abel spoke of retribution 
so the blood of Christ, speaking from the 
cross, tells of salvation, eternal justification 
and life, at God's right hand. 

REMARKS. 

1. Two thoughts I want to add Sinner, you 
do hear and cannot but hear one or the other of 
these voices in your very inmost sonl and being. 
You think of one or the other almost constantly. 

2. You must eternally think of one or the 
other of these utterances. Never will the time 
come that you will not be listening to the one or 
the other. Death, sin, sorrow, and retribution 
will forever salute your unhappy, lost spirit, or, 
life, peace, pardon and salvation will sing their glad 
notes in your ears, and thrill your ransomed soul 
throughout all eternity. 



CXCIV. 

"Let us go forth therefore unto Him without the 
•camp, bearing His reproach." — Hebrews xiii: 13. 

THEME. — The reproach of Christ assumed, is the 
souVs best treasure. 

I. He finds in it his humiiity and conviction by 

the law. It was assumed for his sake, and 
as his legal substitute. 

II. He finds his justification in it. His title to 

life in his Savior's death, — that reproach is 
the basis of his hope and prayer. 



TWO BUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 219 

III. The inspiration of the Christian life is in it; 
both as an example, and as a source of mo- 
tive, the assumption of such a reproach de- 
serves honor. 

IV. The life in the disciple that assumes the re- 

proach of Christ, is honored by heaven and 
earth of God and man. 

REMARKS. 

1. By all the honor in bearing Christ's re- 
proach there is dishonor in bearing our own. The 
one is stamped with nobleness of virtue, the other 
the forced endurance of guilt. 

2. It has ever been the study of the sinister, 
and the terror stricken, how to secure the bene- 
fits of Christ, and at the same time to shun His 
reproach. The offense of the cross is terrible to 
the carnal heart. 

3. Sinner, the sacrifice that saves you is out- 
side of the legal camp, you must go forth to it, or 
you are lost. Your vindication is in confession, 
and your life is in death. 



cxcv. 

Be not deceived: God is not mocked."— Galatians 



vi: 



THEME.— That a worldly life is safe in view of 
the retributions of eternity to a fatal delusion. 

I. It sets aside the testimony of God, both in na- 
ture and grace. It attempts to mock God. 



220 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

II. It unmans the soul and exposes it to the 

storms of passion, and the winds of world- 
ly passion. 

III. It leads men to treat with a sort of amiable 
levity the mission and sufferings of Christ. 
At the best it is the negative of all that 
leads to heaven. 

REMARKS. 

1. The deceivers of men should be marked 
and shunned. 

The world: allures — the multitude. 

The flesh: conspires — our lusts. 

The Devil: argues — "will not die." 

When God's Spirit and God's truth undeceive, 
the danger is averted. But if death or the judg- 
ment undeceives, it will be too late. The dread- 
ful harvest will be begun, and must be reaped. 
Be not deceived. 



CXCVI. 

''As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, 
so walk ye in Him." — Colossians ii: 6. 

THEME. — An evangelical reception of Christ 
should be carried out in after life. 

I. He was received in great self-abasement, so 

should we walk in Eli m. 

II. He was received confidingly, so should we 

walk in Him. 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 221 

III. Ho was received livingly. Eveu so should 
we walk in Hi in. 

IV. He was received obediently. "The Lord," so 

should we walk in Hiin. 

REMARKS. 

1. Such a life will root us, confirm us, enrich 
us. v. 7. 

2. Such a life will shield us against all world- 
ly deceivers, v. 8. 



CXCVH. 

"And besides all this, between us and you there is a 
great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence 
to you cannot: neither can they pass to us, that would 
come from thence." — Luke xvi: 26. 

THEME. — What is it that constitutes this impass- 
able gulf and will separate forever the wicked from the 
righteous? 

I. One of the essential thiugs constituting this 
great gulf is the purpose of God. He is 
pledged to reward the righteous and pun- 
ish the finally guilty, and has sworn that 
the one class shall never perish, and the 
other shall never be saved. 

IL Another thing which constitutes a great and 
fixed gulf, is the eternal rule of rectitude 
which exists, and exists as the law of all 
intelligences. 

III. The decisions of the judgment day will 



222 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

constitute an impassable gulf between the 
different characters judged upon that great 
day. 

IV. Once more. The moral character of the 
righteous and wicked constitutes an ele- 
ment of this great gulf. 

REMARKS. 

1. This subject teaches the necessity of a 
change of heart. Could you, sinner, live with God 
and be happy, unless either His character were 
changed to meet yours, or yours changed to meet 
His? There is no living on Abraham's side of the 
gulf without Abraham's character, or delighting 
in the society or employments of Lazarus, without 
his humble trusting spirit. 



CXCVIII. 

"For, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, 
which shall be to all people." — Luke ii: 10. 

THEME. — The fact of Christ's birth ivas an event 
of joyful interest to a lost world. 

I. It was a practical pledge of the fulfillment of 

all that is hopeful in prophecy. Isaiah 7:14. 

II. It was the practical and mysterious alliance 

of God with our uature. Immanuel. 

III. It was the practical entrance of God upon 
His mediatorial, redemptive work. 

REMARKS. 

1. It was legitimate that such au event 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 22a- 

should awake the ire of Satan; but man's hostili 
ty is amazing. Thus ever, satanic influence sets 
men to be his instruments, to oppose man's best 
good. 

2. If angels should so rejoice in this event,, 
how much more the redeemed of God! Christians 
have reason of perpetual joy, surpassed only by 
the event of His second coming. 

3. These glad tidings are for all people; all 
people need them. Not angels, but Christians- 
must bring them. 



CXCIX. 

' ; Our religion." — Acts xxvi: 5. 

THEJIE. — Every human being has a capacity 

and also an appetite for worship. "We may travel 

the world" says Plutarch and nnd cities without walls, 

without kings, without wealth, without schools and 

theatres, bat a r-ity without a temple, without wor- 

nthout prayers no man ever saw. So all 

rehq ion . ' ' We sh a 11 use th ese 

words to signify that religion of which Jesus Christ 

is the author and founder. 

I. And the first remark I make is, "our religion"' 
furnishes a firm basis for the mind in re- 
lation to unseen and eternal things. Men 
are unsettled and uncertain about the ex- 
istence of a God,, their own future exist- 
enco r &c. Not so the believer. He never 
confounds the universe with God. And 



224 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

then as to the future, all is clear. His conn* 
dent language is "now we know, &c. " "I 
know whom I have believed." 

II. The truth and divinity of our religion are 

evident from its elevating effects upon 
mankind; our religion finds men, no matter 
how sunken and low, and lifts them up to 
the highest standard of morality, and t^ 
purity and fitness for heaven. 

III. Ourvreligion is adapted to our wants and 
circumstances in this life of trials and 
sufferings. To prepare us for the trials of 
life, it prewarns us of them, but presents, 
along with this announcement, a bright 
picture of the future. It teaches that all things 
are under a Father's control and shall work 
together for good to His children. 

IV. At the solemn and trying hour when the be- 

liever comes to close his eyes upon earthly 
scenes, "our religion" stands by him with 
i s cheering voice, draws around the dying 
bed the glories and bliss of heaven itself, 
and fills the dying spirit with holy cahnand 
peace. 

Bishop Haven said, on his dying bed a few 
years ago only: "The angels are here. God lifts 
me up in his arms. 1 cannot see the river of death, 
there is no river, it is all light. I am floating 
away from earth up into heaven. I am gliding 
away to God." 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 225 

REMARKS. 

1. Sinners, is not this religion worthy of your 
attention and belief 9 Do you not need it, in life 
and in death? In time and eternity? Can you well 
dispense with it? Can you find a substitute for it? 
No, you cannot. Accept this Savior; then will 
you have peaceful lives, happy deaths, and a bliss- 
ful eternity. 



CC. 

k 'But what things were gain to me, those I counted 
loss for Christ."— Philippians iii: 7. 

THEME. — Christ is the soul's permanent wealth 
for which it is gain to sacrifice every thing else. 

I. In illustrating this, I remark negatively. 

Without Christ, every thing else is of no 
value, is possessed in vain. 

Without Christ, now and forever, that man 
never had a blessing. Wealth, friends, health, 
home, mothers, Bible, Christ, honor, not one a 
blessing to him. 

II. Without Christ, all things are possessed at 

the fearful sacrifice of ourselves. They 
are so often the very means of cheating the 
soul out of Christ. 

III. In Christ intrinsically the soul has an in- 
finite treasure,an infinite foun tain of bless- 
ing. 



226 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

IV. In Christ, too, the soul inherits all things. 
An heir of God and joint heir with Christ, 
how rich! 

REMARKS. 

1. If it be wise to sacrifice everything for 
Christ, it is certainly fearfully unwise to sacrifice 
Christ for a few things. 

2. The beginning, the middle, and the end of 
the Christ life is desirable. 

3. Come, sinner, share this life with us, real- 
ize your poverty without Christ, and then how 
infinitely rich you will be if you win Christ, as 
Paul did, and be willing as he was to give up all 
that is required of you to do, and be made eter- 
nally rich in the possession of the soul's permanent 
wealth, Christ and His salvation. 



CCI. 

•'Beloved, now are we the sons of God." — I John iii:2. 

THEME. — Evidences which show that God re- 
gards Ghristians^especially^ as His children or sons. 

I. He adopts them into His family, and calls 

them sons. 

II. God not only adopts and calls believers sons, 

but He makes them such by recreating 
them, and imparting to them His own spir- 
it and temper of mind. Soul of Lazarus. 

III. God treats Christians as sons, allows them 



TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 221 

to lack no good thing, supplies all their 
wants. 

IV. God also confides in Christians as sons. 

Trusts the dearest interests of His king- 
dom to their hands and fidelity. 

V. God will reward Christians as sons, not as 

servants but as sons. "Come inherit the 
kingdom prepared for you. " 

REMARKS. 

1. If God confides such great interests into 
our hands and trusts us, let us be faithful to this 
trust. 

-. And if we expect as God's heirs to share 
in the rich inheritance reserved in heaven, do 
not let us be covetous of earthly treasure or with- 
hold from Him what His cause demands, but 
write on all we hold, "consecrated to God." 



ecu. 

•'If thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he 
beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of 
God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth 
evil."— Romans xiii: 4. 

THEME. — The divinely sanctioned prerogative 
of civil law is to protect the community against the 

injur/ 

I. The traffic in intoxicating liquor is obnoxious 
to the stern, unbending, and uncompromis- 
ing rebuke of the public. 



228 TWO HUNDRED SERMON OUTLINES. 

II. Every place of sale should be regarded and 
abated as a public nuisance. 

REMARKS. 

1. By the withdrawal of all support, not 
merely to the business, but to the man who fol- 
lows it. 

2. By legal process, as other nuisances are 
abated. Executive power should be as stern as 
in abating gambling hells, houses of ill-fame, or 
dues of counterfeiters. 

3. Legal enactments should punish the 
crime as they do the crimes of equal enormity. 
There are bad men enough to lace public rebuke, 
and to commit and pursue any criminal occupa- 
tion, no matter how revolting, if they can do it 
with legal impunity. 

4. Community should patiently and cheer- 
fully bear the burdens of the unfortunate. But 
the enormous taxation of the rum traffic, there is 
no wisdom or virtue in bearing. 

5. The reproach of the liquor traffic cleaves 
to the community that tolerates it. Virtue de- 
mands its suppression. 



INDEX. 



Genesis 4, 1U, 


216 


Psalms 93, 1, 


48 


Hosea 10, 12, 


83 


Genesis 22. 14. 


15 


Psalms 104. 34, 


49 


Micah 6, 3, 


83 


Exodus 3. 5. 


16 


Psalms 110, 1. 


50 


Habakuk 2. 15, 


84 


Exodus 20, 24. 


17 


Psalms 116. 14, 


51 


Malachi 3, 8, 


86 


Leviticus 22. 31, 


18 


Psalms 119, 59. 


52 


Malachi 3, 16, 


86 


Joshua 24. 15. 


19 


Psalms 126, 3. 


53 


Matthew 5, 6, 


87 


I Samuel 15, 22. 


20 


Psalms 126. 6. 


55 


Matthew 5, 14. 


88 


I Samuel 15, 29. 


22 


Psalms 144, 3, 


56 


Matthew 5, 14, 


89 


I Kings 19, 18, 


23 


Psalms 147, 20, 


17 


Matthew 6, 12, 


90 


II Kings 2. 12. 


24 


Proverbs 8, 36. 


58 


Matthew 6, 24, 


91 


II Chronicles 6, 8. 


25 


Proverbs 14, 14, 


59 


Matthew 6, 33, 


92 


n Chronicles 31.21 


26 


Proverbs 23, 31. 


60 


Matthew 6, 33, 


93 


Job 1, 81, 


27 


Proverbs 27, 1. 


61 


Matthew 7. 29, 


95 


Job 7. 16. 


28 


Eclesiastes 3. 7, 


62 


Matthew 10, 34, 


96 


Job 10, 20. 


29 


Solomons Song 3,2,63 


Matthew 16, 15, 


97 


Job 13. 23. 


30 


Isaiah 9, 7, 


64 


Matthew 18, 11, 


98 


Psalms 2, 10. 


31 


Isaiah 25, 9, 


66 


Matthew 22, 32, 


99 


Psalms 8, 4. 


32 


Isaiah 43, 4, 


67 


Matthew 25. 33, 


100 


Psalms 14. 1. 


33 


Isaiah 46, 13. 


68 


Matthew 26, 40, 


101 


Psalms 33, 18, 


34 


Isaiah 55, 1, 


69 


Mark 3, 5. 


102 


Psalms 36, 9, 


35 


Isaiah 57, 10, 


70 


Mark 3, 29, 


103 


Psalms 37. 5. 


36 


Isaiah 57, 21, 


71 


Mark 7, 29, 


104 


Psalms 39. 12. 


37 


Lsaiah 66, 2, 


72 


Mark 14. 72, 


105 


Psalms 40, 1. 


39 


Jeremiah 3. 19. 


73 


Luke 2, 10. 


222 


Psalms 40, 16. 


40 


Jeremiah 4, 19, 


74 


Luke 2. 14, 


108 


Psalms 51, 17. 


41 


Jeremiah 8, 7, 


75 


Luke 4, 7, 


107 


Psalms 62, 13. 


42 


Jeremiah 23, 6, 


77 


Luke 7, 30, 


108 


Psalms 63. 2. 


43 


Ezekiel33. 11. 


78 


Luke 7, 39, 


109 


Psalms 69, 22, 


44 


Ezekiel33. 11. 


79 


Luke 10, 15, 


110 


Psalms 73, 26, 


45 


Daniel 5. 20, 


80 


Luke 10. 42. 


111 


Psalms 74. 20, 


46 


Daniel, 9, 23. 


81 


Luke 11. 20. 


112 


Psalms - 


47 


Hosea 2, 23. 


82 


Luke 13, 28, 


113 



230 



INDEX. 



Luke 15, 17, 


114 


Acts 9, 6, 


150 


Ephesians, l, 14, 


185 


Luke 15, 32, 


115 


Acts 17,6, 


152 


Ephesians 5, 1. 


186 


Luke 16, 22. 


116 


Acts 17, 26, 


153 


Ephesians 5, 15, 


187 


Luke 16, 26, 


221 


Acts 17, 30, 31, 


154 


Philippians 1, 21, 


188 


Luke 18, 14, 


117 


Acts 20, 31, 


155 


Philippians 1, 24, 


189 


Luke 19, 41, 


118 


Acts 22, 16, 


156 


Philippians 2, 17, 


190 


Luke 19, 42, 


120 


Acts 24, 25, 


157 


Philippians 3, 7, 


225 


Luke 21, 19, 


121 


Acts 26, 5. 


223 


Philippians 4, 4, 


191 


Luke 22, 32, . 


122 


Acts 26. 9. 


158 


Colossians 1, 19. 


192 


John 1, 29, 


122 


Acts 26, 18, 


159 


Colossians 2, 6. 


220 


John 3. 3, 


123 


Romans 3, 18, 


160 


Colossians 3. 2, 


193 


John 3, 8, 


124 


Romans 3, 26, 


161 


Colossians 3, 3, 


194 


John 7, 7, 


125 


Romans 3, 31, 


162 


I Timothy 1. 16, 


195 


John 8, 32, 


126 


Romans 7, 10, 


163 


Titus 2, 13, 


196 


John 8. 43, 


127 


Romans 8, 4. 


164 


Hebrews 2. 11, 


197 


John 11, 26, 


128 


Romans 8, 14, 


165 


Hebrews 2, 17, 


198 


John 12. 24, 


130 


Romans 8, 33. 


166 


Hebrews 4, 2, 


199 


John 12, 26, 


131 


Romans 8, 20. 


168 


Hebrews 4, 16, 


200 


John 12, 26, 


132 


Romans 9, 2, 


169 


Hebrews 10, 31, 


202 


John 12, 32, 


133 


Romans 9, 3, 


170 


Hebrews 11. 1, 


202 


John 14. 2, 


134 


Romans 13. 4, 


227 


Hebrews 11, 6. 


203 


John 14, 3, 


136 


I Corinthians 2. 


5, 171 


Hebrews 11, 26, 


205 


John 14. 28, 


137 


1 Corinthians 11 


31,172 


Hebrews 11. 40, 


206 


John 15, 5. 


138 


I Corinthians 15, 


57,173 


Hebrews 12, 24, 


216 


John 15, 7, 


139 


II Corinthians 2, 


15,174 


Hebrews 12. 25, 


207 


John 16, 27, 


140 


II Corinthians 4, 


4, 175 


Hebrews 13, 8. 


208 


John 16, 33. 


141 


II Corinthians 4, 


5, 176 


Hebrews 13, 13, 


218 


John 17. 3. 


142 


II Corinthians 4, 


13.177 


I Peter 1, 19, 


209 


John 17, 14. 


143 


II Corinthians 5, 


2. 178 


I Peter 2. 7, 


210 


John 17, 24, 


144 


II Corinthians 5 


11.179 


I John 3, 2, 


226 


John 18, 36, 


145 


II Corinthians 5 


17,180 


I John 4, 19, 


211 


John 19, 5, 


129 


II Corinthians 5, 


20,181 


I John b, 11. 


212 


Acts 4, 12, 


146 


Galatians 1, 24, 


182 


Jude 24. 


213 


Acts 7, 59, 


147 


Galatians 3. 24, 


183 


Revelation 21, 23, 


214 


Acts 7, 60, 


148 


Galatians 6. 7. 


219 


Revelation 22. 17, 


215 


Acts 8. 8, 


150 


Galatians 6, 9, 


184 







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